AP Psych Unit 1

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate regarding whether human behavior is determined more by genetics (nature) or environment (nurture).

Heredity

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

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that allows the body to respond to a stimulus without conscious thought, involving sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon, allowing neurons to communicate.

Synapse

The junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another, where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

CNS

Central Nervous System, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System, consisting of nerves that branch off from the CNS and connect to the body organs and muscles.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements and the five senses.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Fight or Flight Response

The body's automatic response to perceived threats or danger, activating the sympathetic nervous system.

Amygdala

A part of the brain involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

Hippocampus

A part of the brain crucial for forming new memories.

Broca's Area

An area in the left hemisphere of the brain responsible for language production.

Wernicke's Area

An area in the left hemisphere responsible for language comprehension.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station for processing sensory information, sending it to the appropriate areas.

Endocrine System

The system of glands that release hormones throughout the body to regulate various processes.

Agonist Drugs

Substances that increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.

Antagonist Drugs

Substances that decrease the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.

Circadian Rhythm

The body's internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and various bodily functions over a 24-hour period.

REM Sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep, a stage of sleep associated with vivid dreaming and high brain activity.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep.

Phantom Limb Sensation

An experience where an individual feels sensations where a body part used to be, after amputation.

Gate Control Theory

A theory on how the spinal cord regulates pain signals, suggesting that psychological state can influence pain perception.

Pheromones

Chemical signals released by an individual that influence the behavior or physiology of others.

Taste Buds

Sensoryreceptors located on the tongue responsible for the perception of taste.

Sensory Interaction

The process by which different senses influence one another to create a combined perception.

Sensory Adaptation

Diminished sensitivity to a stimuli as a result of constant exposure.

Weber's Law

The principle stating that for a difference to be noticed, two stimuli must differ by a constant proportion.

Kinesthesis

The sense that provides information about the position and movement of body parts.

Vestibular Sense

The sensory system that contributes to balance and spatial orientation.

Amygdala

Involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

Hippocampus

Crucial for forming new memories.

Broca's Area

Responsible for language production.

Wernicke's Area

Responsible for language comprehension.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station for processing sensory information, sending it to the appropriate areas.

Cerebellum

Responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.

Brainstem

Controls basic life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.

Hypothalamus

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep-wake cycles.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in reasoning, planning, problem solving, and emotional regulation.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information related to touch, temperature, and pain.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in processing auditory information and memory.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual processing.