bio ap psych notes

Neuron

sends messages.

Cell body

controls neuron.

Dendrite

receives messages.

Axon

sends messages.

Myelin sheath

speeds signals.

Glial cells

support neurons.

Action potential

electrical signal.

Threshold

minimum signal to fire.

Refractory period

neuron rests.

All-or-none response

fires fully or not.

Synapse

gap between neurons.

Neurotransmitters

chemicals that send signals.

Reuptake

recycles neurotransmitters.

Endorphins

natural painkillers.

Agonist

boosts neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

blocks neurotransmitter.

Nervous system

body's communication network.

CNS

brain + spinal cord.

PNS

all other nerves.

Nerves

bundles of axons.

Sensory neurons

bring info in.

Motor neurons

send commands out.

Interneurons

connect neurons.

Somatic system

voluntary movements.

Autonomic system

automatic functions.

Sympathetic

speeds up (fight/flight).

Parasympathetic

slows down (rest/digest).

Reflex

automatic response.

Endocrine system

sends chemical messages.

Hormones

chemical messengers.

Adrenal glands

stress hormone (adrenaline).

Pituitary gland

"master gland."

Lesion

brain damage area.

EEG

measures brain waves.

CT scan

X-ray of brain.

PET scan

shows activity.

MRI

detailed brain picture.

fMRI

shows structure + activity.

Brainstem

basic life functions.

Medulla

heartbeat & breathing.

Thalamus

sensory relay station.

Reticular formation

alertness.

Cerebellum

balance & coordination.

Limbic system

emotions & drives.

Amygdala

fear & aggression.

Hypothalamus

hunger, thirst, temp.

Cerebral cortex

thinking & decision-making.

Frontal lobes

planning & movement.

Parietal lobes

touch & body position.

Occipital lobes

vision.

Temporal lobes

hearing & memory.

Motor cortex

moves body.

Somatosensory cortex

feels touch.

Association areas

higher thinking.

Plasticity

brain adapts.

Neurogenesis

makes new neurons.

Corpus callosum

connects hemispheres.

Split brain

hemispheres can't share info.

Consciousness

aware of self & world.

Cognitive neuroscience

studies brain + mind.

Dual processing

conscious + unconscious.

Blindsight

see without awareness.

Parallel processing

multitask.

Sequential processing

one task at a time.

Substance P

carries pain signals.