AP Psychology: Unit 1 - Biopsychology (copy)

What has the most impact on human behavior and mental processes according to current understanding?

Nature and nurture interact together.

What is heredity?

The passing on of different physical and mental traits from one generation to another.

What is the theory of evolution based on?

Evolution happens by natural selection; beneficial traits are passed on while undesirable traits die off.

What is eugenics?

The belief in improving the genetic quality of the human population by selectively breeding for desirable traits.

What does epigenetics focus on?

How the environment and a person's behavior affect their genes and their expression.

Define plasticity in the context of the brain.

The brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experiences.

What is the central nervous system (CNS) composed of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consist of?

Different nerves that branch off from the brain and spinal cord.

What does the somatic nervous system (SNS) control?

Conscious and voluntary movements.

What is the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Controls involuntary activities such as heartbeat and digestion.

What is the sympathetic division responsible for?

Mobilizing the body and preparing it for action, known as 'fight or flight'.

What does the parasympathetic division do?

Relaxes the body, known as 'rest and digest'.

What are afferent neurons responsible for?

Sending signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

What do efferent neurons do?

Send signals from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system.

What is a reflex arc?

A nerve pathway that allows the body to respond to a stimulus without thinking.

What is the action potential?

When a neuron fires and sends an impulse down the axon.

What is resting potential?

The state of a neuron when it is not sending signals, characterized by more negative ions inside than outside.

What occurs during the refractory period?

The time period when the neuron cannot fire and must wait until repolarization occurs.

What is the synapse?

The small pocket of space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron.

What is the primary role of neurotransmitters?

To send messages through the nervous system.

What is reuptake?

The process of taking back excess neurotransmitters left in the synaptic gap.

What effect does dopamine have on the body?

Involved in pleasurable sensation, voluntary movement, attention, and learning.

What neurotransmitter is primarily linked to mood regulation?

Serotonin.

What condition is GABA associated with?

Anxiety, seizures, and insomnia.

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain’s ability to rewire itself after injury.

What does the limbic system regulate?

Emotional responses including fighting, feeding, fleeing, and reproduction.

What is REM sleep?

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement, paralysis of external muscles, and active brain waves.

What is insomnia?

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

What is sleep apnea?

A sleep disorder where individuals have trouble breathing during sleep.

What is narcolepsy?

A condition where individuals uncontrollably fall asleep during the day.