AP Psych - Chapter 3

Name the parts of the neuron

A: Dendrite

B: Soma

C: Axon Hillock

D: Myelin Sheath

E: Node of Ranvier Axon Hillock

F: Terminal Buttons

NOT LETTERED: Axon is the long part of neuron

What are the two parts of the nervous system?

Central nervous and peripheral nervous system

What are the two parts of the central nervous system?

Brain and spinal cord

What are the two parts of the peripheral nervous system?

Somatic and automatic nervous system

What are the two parts of the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system

What is an agonist?

A molecule or drug that mimics a neurotransmitter’s effects by binding to receptor sites and activating them

What is an antagonist?

A molecule or drug that blocks or inhibits a neurotransmitter’s effects by occupying receptor sites without activating them

Identify the four lobes of the brain + explain each one

1: Frontal lobe (voluntary movement, planning, problem-solving)

2: Parietal lobe (Spatial awareness, navigation, touch, temperature)

3: Occipital lobe (visual signs, light, color, distance)

4: Temporal lobe (auditory processing, language comprehension, memory formation)

What is the function of the thalamus?

Processes and transmits sensory information to the cerebral cortex; involved in conscious awareness, sleep, and alertness.

What is the function of the amygdala?

Processes emotions, detects threats, and is important for emotional learning and memory.

What is the function of the hippocampus?

Used for forming new memories and spatial navigation; involved in learning and contextual memory.

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Maintains homeostasis by regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, hormones, sleep, and the automatic nervous system (via pituitary gland).

What is the function of the midbrain?

Involved in visual and auditory reflexes, eye movement, motor control, and arousal.

What is the function of the pons?

Relays signals between the cerebrum and cerebellum; helps regulate sleep, breathing rhythym, and facial functions.

What is the function of the medulla oblongata?

Controls vital involuntary functions: breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, swallowing, coughing, and vomiting.

What is the function of the motor cortex?

Controls voluntary movements; sends signals to muscles.

What is the function of the broca’s area?

Produces speech; forms words and sentences.

What is the function of the somatosensory cortex?

Processes touch, pressure, temperature, pain, vibration, and position sense.

What is the function of the wernicke’s area?

Understands spoken and written language; processes meaning.

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Coordinates voluntary movement; balance and posture; motor learning; timing and precision of movements.

What is the function of the reticular formation?

Regulates arousal; sleep-wake cycles; filters sensory information; maintains muscle tone and posture.