ap psych 1a

Nature

Genetic inheritance and biological makeup influence behavior and traits

Evolutionary Perspective

Focuses on how natural selection and adaptation shape behavior and mental processes

Natural Selection

Process where traits that improve survival and reproduction are passed on

Environment

External influences such as culture/family/and surroundings that affect development

Heredity

Transmission of traits from parents to offspring through genes

Nurture

The influence of learning/experience/and environment on behavior

Eugenics

The controversial practice of controlling reproduction to "improve" genetic traits

Nervous System

The body’s communication system made of neurons that transmit signals

Central Nervous System

Brain and spinal cord that control most functions of body and mind

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates the body’s "fight-or-flight" response to stress

Peripheral Nervous System

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body through nerves

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body and conserves energy after stress

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system

Glial Cells

Support/protect/and nourish neurons

Reflex Arc

Automatic response pathway from sensory neuron to motor neuron via interneuron

Sensory Neurons

Carry information from sensory receptors to the CNS

Motor Neurons

Carry commands from CNS to muscles and glands

Interneurons

Connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS

All-or-Nothing Principle

A neuron either fires completely or not at all

Depolarization

When a neuron’s charge becomes less negative leading to firing

Reuptake

Reabsorption of neurotransmitters back into the sending neuron

Multiple Sclerosis

Disease where the immune system attacks myelin disrupting communication

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that increase the chance of a neuron firing

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter linked to movement/reward/and pleasure

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter that controls alertness/arousal/and stress response

GABA

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms neural activity

Substance P

Neurotransmitter involved in pain perception

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted into the bloodstream to regulate functions

Leptin

Hormone that signals fullness and helps regulate appetite

Refractory Period

Short time after a neuron fires when it cannot fire again

Resting Potential

The stable negative charge of a neuron when inactive

Threshold

Level of stimulation needed for a neuron to fire

Myasthenia Gravis

Disorder where antibodies block acetylcholine weakening muscles

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that decrease the chance of a neuron firing

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that affects mood/sleep/and appetite

Glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter important for learning and memory

Endorphins

Natural painkillers that produce pleasure and reduce pain

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter involved in movement/memory/ and learning

Adrenaline

Hormone that triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response

Ghrelin

Hormone that stimulates hunger

Oxytocin

Hormone linked to bonding/trust/and social connection

Melatonin

Hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles