ap psych - the brain

only brain so far!!

what are the three main parts of the brain

brainstem, limbic system, and cerebral cortex

brainstem

• one of the main parts!

• connects brain to spinal cord

• responsible for survival functions

what are the four parts of the brain stem

thalamus, reticular activating system, pons, medulla, and carebellum (ish)

thalamus

sensory switchboard + direct messages - part of the brainstem

reticular activating system

controls arousal - part of the brainstem

pons

controls sleep and dreams - part of the brainstem

medulla

controls heartbeat and breathing - part of the brainstem

cerebellum

“little brain”, voluntary sys, balance - part of the brainstem

limbic system

doughnut shape of neural system + associated with emotions

what are the 4 parts of the limbic sys

hippocampus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and pituitary gland.

hippocampus

responsible for learning and memory - part of the limbic system

hypothalamus

regulated body systems HOMEOSTASIS - part of the limbic system

amygdala

involved in emotion regulation and processing, particularly fear - part of the limbic system.

pituitary gland

a small gland at the base of the brain that regulates hormonal functions and controls other endocrine glands.

cerebral cortex

interconnected neural cells that make up the outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions such as thought, perception, and decision-making.

what are the 4 parts of the cerebral cortex

the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes

frontal lobe

front of the head, motor movement and judgement - part of the cerebral cortex

temporal lobe

located on the sides of the brain, involved in auditory information and language - part of the cerebral cortex

occipital lobe

located at the back of the brain, responsible for visual processing - part of the cerebral cortex.

parietal lobe

located at the top of the brain, responsible for processing sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain - part of the cerebral cortex.

sensory neuron

carry info from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

interneurons

connect neurons within brain and spinal cord

motor neurons

carry commands from brain/spinal cord to muscles and gland

action potential

the electrical impulse that travels down a neuron, triggering neurotransmitter release.

refractory period

the time it takes for a neuron to return to its resting state after an action potential has occurred.

reuptake

the process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron after being released into the synaptic cleft.

Ach

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and memory formation.

dopamine

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in reward, motivation, and regulation of mood, as well as motor control.

endorphins

Natural neurotransmitters that help relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure or euphoria.

gaba

A neurotransmitter that inhibits neural activity and helps regulate anxiety and muscle tone.

glutamate

A major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in memory and learning processes.

norepinphrine

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in attention, response actions, and regulating mood, as well as the fight-or-flight response.

serotinin

A neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness, and helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.

substance p

neurotransmitter, playing a role in pain perception and the inflammatory response.

what happens when a sodium potassium pump is polarized

resting potential, positive out and negative in

what happens when a sodium potassium pump is unpolarized

action potential, positive in and negative out.

two main parts of the nervous system

central (brain and spinal cord controlling responses) and peripheral (nerves connecting limbs and organs) systems.

what are the parts of the peripheral nervous system

somatic: controls voluntary mvmt

autonomic: controls involuntary mvmts

. sympathetic nervous sys: preps body for action and stress

. parasympathetic nervous sys: calms body, decr hr

endocrine system

Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions.

pineal gland

A small gland in the brain that produces the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.

stimulants

Drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system, enhancing alertness and energy levels.

ex. caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, meth

depressants

slows neural activity and decrease body functions, leading to relaxation and sedation.

ex. alcohol, barbiturates

hallucinogen

alters perception, mood, and cognition

ex. LSD, marijuana

opiods

natural pain releivers and produce euphoria

ex. fentanyl, cdeine