Nervous System and Hormones - AP Psychology Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior

Genetic Predesposition

The increased chance of developing a specific trait or condition

DNA

Deoxydrionucleic Acid: the molecule that carries specific protiens that determine traits

When are recessive genes expressed?

When there are two recessive genes present in an individual's genotype.

Twins Identical

Monozygotic Twins share the same genetic material

Thomas Bouchard

Compared traits of identical twins raised in different households to understand the influence of genetics and environment on behavior and personality.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two variables fluctuate together, ranging from -1 to +1.

Chromosomal Abnoralities

Abnormalities in chromosomes either combining in a weird way/failing to combine

How many pairs of chromosomes in a person?

23

Which chromosome determines Gender?

23rd; XY for males and XX for females

Turners Syndrome

A chromosomal disorder in which an individual is born with a singular X chromosome instead of a pair for the 23rd

Physical Characteristics of Turners Syndrome

Short Stature, Webbed Neck, Broad Chest, Ovarian Dysfunction (difference in physical sexual development)

Klineflter Syndrome

Extra X chromosome in the 23rd pair

Effects of Klineflter Syndrome

Minimal sexual development, extreme introversion, other widely varying effects

Down Syndrome

Extra chromosome in the 21st pair

Physical Characteristics of Down Syndrome

Rounded face, Shorter fingers and toes, Slanted eyes set far apart, some degree of intellectual disability

Neurons

individual nerve cells making up the nervous system

Dentrites

Branch-like structures of neurons that receive signals from other cells.

Cell Body (Soma)

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and other organelles; it integrates signals received from dendrites.

Axon

The long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons, speeding up the transmission of electrical impulses and facilitating efficient communication between neurons.

Multiple Scerosis

deterioration of Myeline sheath which interferes with neuron transmission

Terminal Buttons/End buttons/Terminal branches of axons/Synaptic knobs

Branches at the end of axon

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers contained in the terminal buttons which enable neurons to communicate

Synapse

The space between terminal buttons of one neuron and dendrites of the next neuron

Resting Potential

The electrical charge of a neuron when it is not actively firing, typically around -70 mV, allowing it to respond to incoming signals.

Action potential

The rapid electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron, triggered when the neuron is stimulated past its threshold, resulting in the depolarization of the neuron.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitted involved in motor movement and alertness

Lack of Dopamine

Results in Parkinsons Disease

Overabundance of Dopamine

Schizophrenia

Serotonin

Mood controling neurotransmitter

Lack of Serotonin

Clinical Depression

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness

Lack of Norepinephrine

Depression

Glutamine

Excitatory neurotransmitters that help with memory, can trigger migraines and seizures

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability and plays a key role in calming the nervous system.

Endorphins

Pain control, can cause addiction

Substance P

Neurotransmitter associated with pain perception and inflammation, contributing to the feeling of pain.

Lack of Substance P

Lack of pain perception

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter crucial for muscle activation, memory, and learning.

Lack of Acetylcholine

Alzheimers, dementia, and muscle weakness (Myasthenia Gravis)

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that take info from senses to the brain

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons, facilitating communication within the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons/Efferent Neurons

Take information from the brain to the rest of the body

Reflexes

automatic responses to stimuli that involve sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons without conscious thought.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that controls a reflex action, typically involving a sensory receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, and an effector.

Central Nervous System

Consists of the brain and spinal cord and all nerves in the bone (skull and vertebrae)

Peripheral Nervous System

All parts of the nervous system that are not part of the central nervous system (not encased in a bone)

Autonomic Nervous System

Division of the peripheral nervous system. Controls the automatic functions of our body; heart, lungs, internal orgins, glands, etc.

Responds to stress (fight or flight instinct)

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The brake pedal slows down the autonomic nervous system

Carries messages to the stress response system - causes body activities to slow down and returns the body to homeostasis

Sympathetic Nervous System

Mobilizes the body to respond to stress, increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration as part of the fight or flight response

Adrenal Glands

Produces adrenaline (Epinephrine)

Prepares for fight or flight, part of the autonomic nervous system

Ovaries and Testes

Produces sex hormones; estrogen for female and testosterone for male

Adrenaline

Hormone activated during fight or flight, speeds up bodily processes

Leptin

Hormone that regulates weight, hunger, and makes food less appetizing when satiated

Ghrelin

Hunger hormone - Motivates eating, increases hunger, makes food seem more appetzing when hungry

Melatonin

Triggers sleep and wakefulness in brain, helping to regulate circadian rhythms and promote restful sleep.

Oxytocin

Hormone that promotes good feeling, trust, and bonding

Endocrine System

System of glands that secrete hormones to regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and mood.