AP Psychology Unit 1

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate concerning the relative importance of heredity (nature) and environment (nurture) in shaping human behavior and mental processes.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors influence gene expression and how genes can be turned on or off.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experience by strengthening or weakening neural connections.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All the nerves that branch off from the brain and spinal cord, connecting the CNS to the body's organs and muscles.

Afferent Neurons

Also known as sensory neurons; these carry signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.

Efferent Neurons

Also known as motor neurons; they transmit signals from the CNS to the PNS.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and the five senses.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary activities like heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action (fight or flight response).

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that relaxes the body, conserving energy (rest and digest).

Glial Cells

Cells in the nervous system that provide support and protection for neurons.

Neurons

The basic functional unit of the nervous system responsible for transmitting information through electrical impulses and chemical signals.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that allows for a rapid response to a stimulus without input from the brain.

Synapse

The small gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse between neurons.

Action Potential

The electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron when it communicates with another neuron.

Resting Potential

The state of a neuron when it is not actively transmitting signals, characterized by a resting difference in electrical charge across its membrane.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A neurological disorder characterized by damage to the myelin sheath, leading to disrupted signal transmission in the nervous system.

Acetylcholine

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

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with movement, learning, attention, and emotions.

Endocrine System vs. Nervous System

The endocrine system uses hormones for slower, widespread communication, while the nervous system uses electrical signals for fast, localized communication.

Agonist Drugs

Substances that increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.

Antagonist Drugs

Substances that decrease the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.

Hindbrain

The lower part of the brain, including structures that control fundamental bodily functions.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain responsible for complex thoughts, divided into two hemispheres.

Lateralization

The concept that different functions are more dominant in one hemisphere of the brain than the other.

Circadian Rhythm

Biological clock governing the 24-hour cycle of physiological processes in the body.

REM Sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep, characterized by increased brain activity and vivid dreams.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that detect harmful stimuli, resulting in the perception of pain.

Vestibular Sense

The sense of balance and spatial orientation resulting from the movement of fluid in the inner ear.

Kinesthesis

The sense that provides information about the position and movement of body parts.