AP Psychology Final Review Unit 3

Next One!! U got this

Cerebellum

little dangly brain in back of head, Coordinating movements, balance, posture, and fine motor skills; plays roles in cognition, emotion, and motor learning

Corpus Callosum

connects left and right hemispheres, Coordinating complex actions like riding a bike, processing language, maintaining attention, vision, memory, problem-solving, and integrating sensory and motor functions across both sides of the brain

Split-Brain Research

research done on people who had their corpus callosum cut in half

Dopamine

hormone/chemical messenger that rewards happiness

Neurotransmitters

a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells (neurons) and to other cells like muscles or glands

Evolutionary Psychology

scientific approach that explains human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as products of natural selection

Neuron

a specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell

Process of Neural Communication

The way neurons send messages using electrical signals within the cell and chemical signals between cells.

Resting Potential

The neuron’s stable, negatively charged state when it is not sending a message.

Action Potential

A rapid electrical signal that travels down the neuron when it fires.

Agonist

turns on receptors

antagonist

blocks neurotransmitters from bonding to receptors

Endorphins

body's natural painkillers and natural mood elevators

Lesion

abnormal damage to the brain

Hippocampus

lil seahorse lookin ahh organ, helps form long-term memories, spatial navigation, emotional regulation, and flexible cognition, helping us make sense of context and social interactions

ACh

neurotransmitter for learning, memory, and attention; controls muscle contraction

Alzheimer's and Myasthenia Gravis, while imbalances affect movement in Parkinson's

GABA

the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter, acting like the nervous system's "brakes" to calm nerve activity, reduce excitability, promote relaxation, and control fear, anxiety, and stress, with imbalances linked to mood disorders, insomnia, and epilepsy, making it a key target for anti-anxiety (like benzodiazepines) and anti-seizure medications.

Hormones

Chemical messengers released by glands that travel through the bloodstream and affect other organs.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord; connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Thalamus

The brain’s sensory relay station; sends sensory information to the correct brain areas (except smell).

Amygdala

Processes emotions, especially fear and aggression.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body and conserves energy (“rest and digest”).

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary actions like heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for stress (“fight or flight”).

Parietal Lobes

Process touch, body position, and spatial awareness.

Frontal Lobes