AP Psych: Unit 1.1-1.3

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genes.

Nature

The influence of genetic inheritance on behavior and traits.

Nurture

The influence of environmental factors on behavior and traits.

Genetic predisposition

An increased likelihood of developing a particular disease or trait based on a person's genetic makeup.

Evolutionary perspective

The viewpoint that behaviors and mental processes are influenced by the principles of evolution, such as natural selection.

Natural selection

The process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on more frequently to future generations.

Eugenics

A controversial practice aimed at improving the genetic quality of a human population by selective breeding.

Twin studies

Research that compares the similarity of traits between identical and fraternal twins to understand the role of genetics and environment.

Family studies

Research that examines how traits are passed through families, often used to assess the influence of genetics on behavior.

Adoption studies

Research that compares adopted children to both their biological and adoptive parents to assess genetic and environmental influences.

Central nervous system

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and controlling bodily functions.

Peripheral nervous system

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, responsible for transmitting signals between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic nervous system

The part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for fight or flight during stressful situations.

Parasympathetic nervous system

The part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body and conserves energy after a stressful situation.

Somatic nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of the skeletal muscles.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit information throughout the nervous system via electrical and chemical signals.

Glial cells

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Reflex arc

The neural pathway that controls a reflex action, typically involving sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Motor neurons

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Neurons within the central nervous system that communicate internally and intervene between sensory inputs and motor outputs.

Neural transmission

The process of transferring information from one neuron to another at a synapse.

Action potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron, triggered by a change in the electrical state of the cell membrane.

All-or-nothing principle

The principle stating that a neuron either fires at full strength or does not fire at all.

Depolarization

The process by which the resting potential of a neuron becomes less negative, leading to the initiation of an action potential.

Refractory period

The short time after an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire again.

Resting potential

The electrical charge across a neuron's membrane when it is not firing an action potential.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron after being released into the synapse.

Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Multiple sclerosis

A neurological disorder characterized by the deterioration of the myelin sheath, leading to disrupted neural transmission.

Myasthenia gravis

A chronic autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness due to the destruction of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

Excitatory neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential.

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential.

Dopamine

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

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite, and sleep.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness, as well as the fight-or-flight response.

Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in learning and memory.

GABA

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in reducing neuronal excitability.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Acetylcholine

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

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands that regulate various bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and mood.

Adrenaline

A hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, increasing heart rate and energy levels.

Leptin

A hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate body weight by inhibiting hunger.

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates appetite, often referred to as the 'hunger hormone.'

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, often used as a sleep aid.

Oxytocin

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

Psychoactive drugs

Substances that alter perception, mood, or behavior by affecting the brain's neurotransmitter systems.

Agonists

Drugs that mimic the action of a neurotransmitter by binding to its receptor.

Antagonists

Drugs that block the action of a neurotransmitter by binding to its receptor without activating it.

Reuptake inhibitors

Drugs that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron, increasing their levels in the synapse.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness and energy.

Caffeine

A stimulant that increases alertness and reduces fatigue by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant that increases levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to euphoria and increased energy.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce activity in the central nervous system, leading to relaxation and sedation.

Alcohol

A depressant that impairs cognitive function and motor coordination by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, mood, and thought processes, often leading to visual and auditory hallucinations.

Marijuana

A drug that has both depressant and hallucinogenic effects, often used for its relaxing and mood-altering properties.

Opioids

A class of drugs that include pain relievers and illicit substances, known for their pain-relieving and euphoric effects.

Heroin

An opioid drug that produces intense euphoria and pain relief, but also carries a high risk of addiction and overdose.

Tolerance

A condition in which the body becomes less responsive to a drug over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Addiction

A chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.

Withdrawal

The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops using a drug on which they have become dependent.