Ap Psychology Unit 1 Study Guide

Nature

refers to genetic/hereditary factors, while.

Eugenics

The controversial idea of improving human populations through selective breeding.

Epigenetics

The study of how the environment can influence gene expression without altering the DNA.

Central Nervous System

Comprises the brain and spinal cord; acts as the command center and processes information.

Peripheral Nervous System

Includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary functions such as heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and relaxes the body.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit electrical signals and carry out communication in the brain.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the brain that protect, nourish, and clean up after neurons.

Reflex Arc

An automatic, rapid response to a stimulus.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon when a neuron reaches a threshold.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.

Synaptic Gap

The tiny space between neurons that neurotransmitters must cross to send signals.

Excitatory Neurons

Encourage neurons to fire; for example, dopamine.

Inhibitory Neurons

Prevent neurons from firing; for example, GABA and serotonin.

Agonist Drugs

Drugs that mimic or enhance neurotransmitter effects.

Antagonist Drugs

Drugs that block neurotransmitter activity.

Stimulants

Substances that speed up body functions and enhance energy; examples include caffeine and cocaine.

Depressants

Substances that slow down body functions and neural activity; examples include alcohol.

Hallucinogens

Substances that alter perception and can cause hallucinations; examples include marijuana.

Acetylcholine (Ach)

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and memory.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter that transmits pain signals to the brain.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in reward and motivation.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers produced by the body.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter that arouses alertness and energy.

Glutamate

The most common excitatory neurotransmitter, linked to learning and memory.

GABA

A neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system.

Medulla

The part of the brain stem that manages vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain; responsible for thinking and decision-making.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for higher order thinking and decision making.

Broca's Area

Responsible for speech production; damage results in difficulty speaking.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information including touch.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and handles language comprehension.

Hippocampus

Plays a major role in forming new memories.

Amygdala

Processes emotions, especially fear and aggression.

Wernicke's Area

Responsible for the comprehension of speech.

Occipital Lobe

Specializes in visual processing.

Thalamus

The brain's relay station for sending sensory information to appropriate brain areas.

Hypothalamus

Regulates basic drives such as hunger and thirst.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland that releases hormones regulating various bodily functions.

Consciousness

The awareness of our environment and ourselves.

Circadian Rhythm

A 24-hour biological clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness.

NREM Sleep Stage 1

Light sleep characterized by hypnagogic sensations and alpha waves.

NREM Sleep Stage 2

Sleep stage where body temperature drops, heart rate slows, and sleep spindles appear.

NREM Sleep Stage 3

Deep sleep with slow delta waves, critical for physical restoration.

REM Sleep

Stage of sleep with active brain and paralysis of body, associated with vivid dreaming.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Somnambulism

Sleepwalking or performing tasks during deep NREM sleep.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Condition where individuals act out their dreams due to lack of muscle paralysis during REM.

Nurture

refers to environmental variables affecting behavior and traits.