AP Psychology Unit 1 Vocabulary

Genetic predisposition

An inherited increased likelihood of developing a certain trait, behavior, or condition based on a person's genetic makeup

Neuron

A specialized cell that acts as a fundamental building block of the nervous system responsible for receiving processing and transmitting information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals

Neural transmission

The electrochemical process by which neurons send information to one another, involving electrical signals (action potentials) within a single neuron and chemical signals (neurotransmitters) across the synaptic gaps

Resting potential

The baseline electrical charge of a neuron when it’s inactive (not sending a signal) typically measured at about -70 mV