AP Psychology Unit 1

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32 Terms

1

Nature vs. Nurture

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

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2

Epigenetics

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

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3

Plasticity

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

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4

Central Nervous System (CNS)

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

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5

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.

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6

Afferent Neurons

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

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7

Efferent Neurons

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

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8

Somatic Nervous System

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

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9

Autonomic Nervous System

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

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10

Sympathetic Division

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

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11

Parasympathetic Division

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

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12

Glial Cells

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

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13

Neurons

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

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14

Reflex Arc

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

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15

Synapse

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

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16

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse between neurons.

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17

Action Potential

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

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18

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.

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19

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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

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20

Acetylcholine

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

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21

Dopamine

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

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22

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.

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23

Agonist Drugs

Substances that increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.

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24

Antagonist Drugs

Substances that decrease the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.

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25

Hindbrain

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

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26

Cerebrum

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

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27

Lateralization

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

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28

Circadian Rhythm

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

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29

REM Sleep

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

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30

Nociceptors

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

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31

Vestibular Sense

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

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32

Kinesthesis

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

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