AP Psych - Unit 1 (Biological bases of Behavior)

genetic predisposition

ur more likely to get it bc ur parents/family members have it

neurons

nerve/brain cells

muliple sclerosis

neural transmission

brain communication through electrical impulses

resting potential

the electrical charge difference across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not firing. -70

threshold

the level of stimulation needed to trigger an action potential in a neuron. -50

all-or-none principle

if the threshold is not met, any electrical impulses are negligible and the neuron is not fired

depolarization

the process by which the neuron's membrane potential becomes less negative, moving towards zero and often triggering an action potential. -70 to +30

resting potential

the state of a neuron when it is not actively firing, typically around -70 mV.

excitatory

increases the likelyhood of a neuron firing by depolarizing the membrane potential.

inhibitory

decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing by hyperpolarizing the membrane potential.

dopamine

a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control (habit forming, happiness, pleasure, and learning)

seratonin

a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. (happiness, memory, and cognition)

norepinephrine

a neurotransmitter involved in arousal, alertness, and the stress response. (arousal, attention, cognitive function, stress)

glutamate

a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in learning and memory, as well as excitory signaling in the brain.

gaba

a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, helping to regulate anxiety, muscle tone, and sleep.

endorphins

Natural painkillers produced by the body, they help to alleviate pain and induce feelings of pleasure or euphoria. (happiness)

substance p

A neuropeptide that functions as a neurotransmitter, involved in the transmission of pain signals and the perception of pain.

acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in muscle movement, memory, and learning. It is involved in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.