AP Psych Test Flashcards
Nature vs Nurture
The debate on how genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) influence behavior and development
Genetic predisposition
inherited traits that make an individual more likely to develop certain behaviors or disorders
Evolutionary perspective
certain behaviors and processes have benefited humans and those humans have been able to survive and reproduce and spread that trait
Eugenics
the controversial study of improving the genetic quality of the human population, often associated with unethical practices
Natural selection
individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass it onto offspring
Central nervous system (CNS)
brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
connects the CNS to the rest of the body
Somatic nervous systems
Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information to the CNS.
Autonomic Nervous System
Regulates involuntary bodily functions; divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System
The sympathetic prepares the body for “fight or flight,” while the parasympathetic conserves energy and promotes “rest and digestion.”
Glial cells
cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they may also play a role in learning, thinking, and memory.
Neurons
a nerve cell; basic building block of the nervous system
Reflex Arc
pathway for a body’s reflex. Moves from sensory neurons to spinal chord
Sensory neurons
carry signals from the spinal cord to the CNS
Motor neurons
transmit signals from CNS to muscles or glands
Interneurons
connect messages from the CNS to the PNS
All-or-nothing principle
Neurons either fire completely or not at all, depending on reaching a certain threshold.
Selective Permeability
The ability of the neuron’s membrane to allow certain ions to pass while blocking others.
Action Potential
A rapid change in electrical charge that travels along the axon of a neuron.
Depolarization
(+30-40 mV). Neuron is overly positive and going through an action potential
Refractory Period
Hyperpolarization. -90 mV, Neuron goes more negative than it was at resting. Period where neurons can’t fire again after just firing.
Resting Potential
The state of a neuron when it is not actively firing, typically around -70 mV.
Reuptake
The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron.
Firing Threshold
-55 mV, dendrites pick up the positive ions. When action potential begins, gates open.
Dopamine
Stimulates reward center. Excitatory and Inhibitory
Serotonin
Moods, emotional states, hunger, sleep regulation, and wakefulness (arousal). Inhibitory
Norepinephrine/epinephrine
Flight/fight response, mood, learning & memory retrieval. Excitatory
GABA
Brain’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Offset excitatory messages and regulates sleep-wake cycles
Endorphins
Involved in pain perception and positive emotions. Inhibitory
Glutamate
Helps messages cross the synapse more efficiently. Memory, learning, movement.
Acetylcholine
Muscle contraction, general intellectual functioning (memory, learning)
Adrenaline
Involved in the fight-or-flight response, increases heart rate, blood flow, and energy production.
Leptin
Inhibits hunger and reduces food intake
Ghrelin
Stimulates appetite and increases food intake
Melatonin
regulates sleep-wake cycles and helps signal the body to prepare for sleep.
Oxytocin
involved in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and childbirth; promotes trust and empathy.
Agonist
enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter or hormone, leading to an increased effect.
Antagonist
blocks or reduces the action of a neurotransmitter or hormone, leading to a decreased effect.
Reuptake inhibitors
prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.
Depressants
Reduce neural activity and slow body functions; can impair judgment and coordination. Ex. alcohol
Stimulants
Increase alertness, attention, and energy by enhancing neurotransmitter activity. Ex. cocaine, caffeine
Opioids
Mimic endorphins to provide pain relief and induce euphoria; high potential for addiction. Depress neural activity Ex. heroine
Hallucinogens
Distort perception and evoke sensory images without any actual sensory input. Ex. marijuana, through THC
Barbiturates
Neural system depressants. Induce sleep and relieve anxiety
Myasthenia Gravis
Autoimmune disease that impacts muscles. Causes weakness and rapid fatigue of any muscles under voluntary control. This is due to antibodies produced so ACH can’t bind to receptors
Multiple Sclerosis
Autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Causes damage to the myelin sheath, leading to disrupted communication between the brain and body. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, muscle weakness, and vision problems
