AP Psych Unit 2: Biology

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59 Terms

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Glial cells

Non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system that provide support and protection for neurons.

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Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses, facilitating communication within the nervous system.

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Reflex arc

A neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, consisting of a sensory neuron, an interneuron, and a motor neuron.

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Sensory neurons

Specialized neurons that carry sensory information from receptors to the central nervous system.

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Motor neurons

Specialized neurons that transmit motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

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Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

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Neural transmission

The process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters.

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All-or-nothing principle

The concept that a neuron either fires completely or not at all.

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Action potential

The change in electrical potential that occurs when a neuron is activated.

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Depolarization

The initial phase of an action potential where the neuron's membrane potential becomes less negative.

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Repolarization

The phase following depolarization where the membrane potential is restored to its resting state.

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Refractory period

The time following an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential.

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Resting potential

The state of a neuron when it is not actively firing an action potential.

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Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron.

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Firing threshold

The level of depolarization that must be reached for a neuron to initiate an action potential.

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Multiple sclerosis

A chronic autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers.

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Myasthenia gravis

An autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles due to acetylcholine receptor attack.

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Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses in the nervous system.

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Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

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Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.

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Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in attention and the body's stress response.

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Glutamate

The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, important for learning and memory.

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GABA

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, reducing neuronal excitability.

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Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure.

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Substance P

A neurotransmitter associated with the pain perception pathway.

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Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle action, learning, and memory.

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Agonist

A substance that enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter.

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Antagonist

A substance that inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter.

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Adrenaline

A hormone that prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses.

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Oxytocin

A hormone associated with social bonding, reproduction, and childbirth.

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Brainstem

The part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic life functions.

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Medulla

The lower portion of the brainstem that regulates vital functions such as heartbeat.

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Cerebellum

A structure at the back of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

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Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions.

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Limbic system

A set of brain structures involved in emotions, memory processing, and motivation.

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Thalamus

The brain's relay station for sensory information.

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Hypothalamus

A small region of the brain that regulates autonomic processes and controls the pituitary gland.

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Pituitary gland

A gland at the base of the brain that controls hormone production.

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Amygdala

A part of the limbic system involved in emotion regulation.

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Hippocampus

A region of the brain essential for memory formation.

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Corpus callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres.

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Occipital lobes

Divisions of the cerebral cortex responsible for visual processing.

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Frontal lobes

Involved in reasoning, planning, movement, and problem-solving.

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Temporal lobes

Responsible for processing auditory information and memory.

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Parietal lobes

Processes sensory information and spatial orientation.

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Broca’s area

A region in the frontal lobe crucial for language production.

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Wernicke's area

A region in the temporal lobe important for language comprehension.

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Aphasia

A language disorder resulting from brain damage.

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Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experience.

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EEG

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain.

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fMRI

A neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

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Case studies

Detailed investigations of a single entity used to explore complex phenomena.

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Lesioning procedure

A method used in research to study the effects of damage to specific brain areas.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, processing information and controlling body activities.

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of all nerves outside the CNS, connecting it to the rest of the body.

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Somatic Nervous System

A part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and relays sensory information to the CNS.

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Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion.

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Sympathetic Nervous System

A branch of the ANS responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response.

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Parasympathetic Nervous System

A branch of the ANS that promotes the 'rest-and-digest' response.