AP psych unit 1

What is a neuron?

Specialized cells that transmit electrical signals in the body and are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system.

What is a synapse?

The small gap between two neurons or between a neuron and a target cell where neurotransmitters cross to allow communication.

What is the function of the myelin sheath?

It speeds up the transmission of electrical impulses by allowing signals to jump from node to node.

What occurs during resting potential?

The neuron is at rest with a negative charge inside the cell and a positive charge outside.

What is the threshold in neuron function?

A certain level of depolarization that must be reached to trigger an action potential.

What happens during depolarization?

Sodium (Na+) ions rush into the neuron, making the inside more positive.

What is repolarization?

Potassium (K+) ions flow out of the neuron, restoring the negative charge inside.

What is hyperpolarization?

The neuron becomes more negative than its resting state before returning to resting potential.

What are glial cells?

Non-neuronal cells that provide support to neurons, maintaining homeostasis and protecting neurons.

What do sensory neurons do?

They carry signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

What is the role of motor neurons?

They transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands to initiate action.

What is the function of interneurons?

They process information between sensory and motor neurons and are involved in reflexes and higher cognitive functions.

What maintains resting potential?

The sodium-potassium pump, by moving Na+ out and K+ in, maintains a negative internal charge of about -70mV.

What is an action potential?

An electrical signal that travels down the axon when sodium channels open and sodium ions rush into the cell.

What is the refractory period?

The time after an action potential when the neuron cannot fire again until it returns to resting potential.

What is reuptake in neurotransmission?

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron, terminating the signal.

What is acetylcholine (ACh) responsible for?

Muscle contraction, memory, and learning.

What are endorphins?

Natural painkillers that promote feelings of well-being and happiness.

What is the role of serotonin?

Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

What are dopamine's main functions?

Involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' by increasing heart rate and inhibiting digestion.

What is the function of the medulla?

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

What role does the hypothalamus serve?

Regulates homeostasis, including hunger, thirst, and body temperature.

What does the cerebral cortex handle?

Complex thought processes like reasoning, perception, and decision-making.

What does Broca's area control?

Speech production; damage causes Broca's aphasia, leading to non-fluent speech.

What is the role of Wernicke’s area?

Responsible for language comprehension; damage leads to Wernicke’s aphasia, resulting in fluent but nonsensical speech.

How do fMRI and EEG work to study brain activity?

fMRI measures blood flow changes to detect active brain areas, while EEG measures electrical activity associated with different consciousness states.

What does the pituitary gland regulate?

It controls other glands and regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction by releasing hormones.