Ap psych Unit 1 Flashcards
brain plasticity/neuroplasticity
the brains ability to change especially during childhood by reorganizing after damage or buy building new pathways based on experience
- adapting
young-helmhaltz trichromatic (three color) theory
theory that the retina contains three different color receptions (red, green, and blue) which when stimulated in combination can produce the perception of any color
somatosensory cortex
(in parietal lobes)
- helps you FEEL textures and temperature and movement sensations
hippocampus
- in limbic system
- helps process conscious memories like facts and events for storage
single detection theory
- a theory predicting how and when we detect the presence of a faint stimulus (signal) amid background stimulation (noise)
- assumes there is no single absolute threshold and section depends partly on EXPECTATIONS, MOTIVATION, AND ALERTNESS
- you are not trying to focus on everything so you’re absolute threshold differs based on you personally
occipital lobe
- at the back of the head
- specializes in visual processing
kinesthesis
- our movement sense: our system for sensing the position and movement of individual body parts
- millions of position and motion sensors in muscles and tendons and joints all over the body are PROPRIOCEPTORS )give constant feedback to the brain)
blindsight
a condition in which a person can respond to a visual stimulus without consciously experiencing it
parallel processing
processing multiple aspects of a stimulus or problem simultaneously and enables mind to take care of routine business
feature detectors
nerve cells in brains visual cortex that responds two specific features of the stimulus (shape, angel, movement)
- receives information from individual GANGLION CELLS in the treitna then pass information to other areas where teams of SUPERCELL CLUSTERS respond to more complex patterns
fMRI
- reveals blood flow and brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans
- shows brain structure and function
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer germinated images of soft tissue and shows brains anatomy
PET
positron emissions tomography
- detects brain activity that displays where radioactive forms of glucose goes while Brian preforms a task
psychophysis
study of relationships between the psychical characteristics of stimuli and our psychological experience of them
conduction hearing loss
hearing loss caused by damage to the mechanical system that conducts sound waves to cochlea
- more often biological
EEG
Electroencephalogram
- amplified recording of the wave of electrical activity sweeping across brain’s surface it measures elicits activity in neurons
MEG
magnetaencephalography
- brain imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from brain’s natural electric activity
priming
activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus PREDISPOSING ones perception, memory, or response
hue
dimensions of COLOR that is determined by wavelength of LIGHT (blue, green, etc.)
transduction
conversion of one for of energy to another; in SENSATION, transforming of PHYSICAL energy (sight, sound, etc.) into neural IMPULSES brain can interpret
intensity
the amount of energy in a light/sound wave, which influences what we perceive as brightness/loudness intensity is determined by waves amplitude (height)
CT
computed tomography
- a series of x-ray photograph taken form different angles and combined by computer in to a composite representation of a slice of the brains structure
lesion and lesioning
tissue destruction
studies either natural or expiementally damaged tissue of the brain is used to study portions of the brain
forea
central focal point in retina around which eye CONES CLUSTER
- direct connections preserve cones
frequency
the number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a given time (per second) [hertz]
pitch
a tones experienced highness/lowness
- depends on frequency
- long waves = low frequency = low pitch
- short waves= high frequency = high pitch
supaxchiasmatic nucleus (SNC)
a pair of cell clusters in the hypothalamus that control circadian rhythms
- in repose to light the SNC adjusts melatonin production
sequential processing
processing one aspect of stimulus or problem at a time; generally used to process new information or solve difficult problems
sensory interaction
principle that one sense can influence another
- if tow of our sense disagree over something then our brain blends the senses together
top-down processing
information processing guided by higher-level mental processes )contrasting perceptions)
N1
- hallucinations
- hypnotic sensations: “jerking”, “falling”
- easy to wake up and short
n2
20 minutes
- sleep spindles- bursts of rapid rhythmic brain wave activity that aid memory processing
- con be awakened early but clearly are sleeping
n3
30 minutes
- deep sleep
- delta waves
-hard to wake up
lens
- hits here after passing through the pupil
- transparent strict behind pupil that canes shape that helps focus images on the retina
wernicke’s area
responsible for SPEECH COMPREHENSION
- aphasia– word salad
reticular activating system (RAS)
controls sleep/wake cycles, alertness, and voluntary movements - without it you soundly be able to stay awake
delta waves
large slow brain waves associated with deep sleep
cerebral cortex
the brains outermost layer, responsible for higher level thinking and complex task
- divided into lobs– frontal, occipital, parietal, and temporal
- motor and somatosenory cortex
alpha waves
relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed awake state
REM sleep
10 minutes
- recurring sleep stage during which dreams occur
- muscles are relaxed but other body systems are active
- paralysis
insomnia
recurring problems in falling/staying asleep
sleep apnea
temporary cessation of breathing during sleep and related momentary awakenings
narcolepsy
uncontrollable REM sleep attacks
cerebellum
“little brain”
- functions include processing sensory input, coordination movement output and balance, enabling nonverbal learning, and memory
embodied cognition
influence of bodily sensations and gestures on cognitive preferences and judgments
bottom up processing
information processing that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brains integration of sensory information
absolute threshold
the minimum stimulus energy needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time
amygdala
(limbic system)
- two lima bean diced neural clusters linked to emotions (fear and aggression)
brain stem
central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skill
- responsible for automatic survival functions
limbis system
neural system below cerebral hemispheres that include amygdala, hypothalamus, thalamus, hippocampus, and pituitary glands
- controls emotions, drives, and memories
optic nerve
nerve that carries neural impulses from eye to brain )thalamus to visual cortex)
corpus callosum
large band of neural fibers connection the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them
brocas area
responsible for speech production
thalamus
(sits atop the brain stem)
- brains “relay station” it sends sensory information to the right areas of the brain for porcessing (minus smell)
hypothalamus
(limbic system) (below thalamus)
- directs several maintenance activities, helps govern endocrine system
- homeostasis
difference threshold
the minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time ; we experience this as JUST A NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE
- ex: knowing a friends voice in a hallway among other voices
pituitary gland
(limbic system)
- brains master gland it releases hormones that regulate growth and other essential processes
sensory adaptation
diminished sensitive as a consequence of constant stimulation
opponent-processing theory
opposing retinal process (red- green, blue-yellow, -white- black_ enable color vision
- when you keep seeing one color the cones of the opposite color are used
- being in a yellow room then leaving and seeing a slight blue haze even if there is not one
retina
-light comes here after lens
- light sensitive back inner surface of eye containing the receptor rods and cones plus layers of neurons that begin the processing of visuals information
wavelength
distance from the peak of one light wave or sound wave to the peak of the next
parallel processing
processing multiple aspects of a stimulus or problem simultaneously (step before recognition)
audition
the sene or act of hearing
middle ear
- hearing process begins with eardrum then comes here
DEF. - chamber between the eardrum and cochlea containing three tiny bones that concentrate the vibrations of the eardrum on the cochlea’s oval window
cochlea
a coiled, bony, and fluid filled tube in the inner ear; sound waves traveling through the cochlear fluid trigger neural impulses
inner ear
the innermost part of the ear, containing the chortle, semicircular canals, and vestibular sacs
parietal lobe`
(back crown of your head)
- responsible for processing sensory information like touch and body position
temporal lobe
(sides of brain)
- processes auditory information and handle language comprehension
sensorineural hearing loss
most common form of hearing loss, caused by damage to cochlear (hair cells) receptor cells or auditory nerve (nerve deafness)
gustation
our sense of taste
- sweet: energy source
- salty: sodium essential to physiological process
- sour: maybe toxic acid
- bitter: maybe poisonous
- unami: (meaty taste) for proteins
- olegustus: fats
cognitive neuroscience
the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (thinking, knowing, communicating, and remembering)
accommodation
process by which eyes lens change shape to focus images of near/far objects on retina
sensation
process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system relieve and represents stimulus energies form out environment
rods
- retinal receptors that detect black, white, and gray
- sensitive to movement
- necessary for peripheral vision when cones do not respond
- faint light and peripheral motion
pupil
the adjustable opening in the center of the eye through which light enters
cornea
the eye’s clear, protective outer layering, covering the pupil and iris (bends light to help provide focus)
cochlear implants
a device for converting sounds into electrical signals and stimulating the auditory nerve through electrodes threaded into the cochlea
circadian rhythm
- our biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24 hour cycle
weber’s law
principle that to be perceived as different to stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage
- high intensity requires a large just noticeable difference
- low intensity requires a small just noticeable difference t
frequency theory
the rate of nerve impulses traveling up the auditory nerve
- matches frequency of tone , thus enabling us to sense LOW pitch
gate control theory
theory that the spinal cord contains a neurological “gate” that blocks/allows pain signals to the brain
- the “gate” is opened by the activity of pain signals traveling up the small nerve fibers
- and is closed by activity in large server fibers or by information coming from the brain
sensory receptors
sensory nerve endings that respond to stimuli
place theory
links the pitch we hear with the place where the cochleas membrane is stimulated, this allows us to detect HIGH pitch
perception
process by which our brain organized and interprets sensory information enabling us to recognize objects and events as meaningful
dual processing
the principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks (two minds)
- human brain can convert conscious into unconscious knowledge
vestibular sense
our balance sense
- our sense of bad movements position that enable or sense of balance
- being able to put ourselves back into the right positions
apahsia
language disorder that impairs someones ability to communicate
olfaction
our sense of smell which is a chemical sense
vision process steps
- scene
- retinal process: receptor rods and cones -> ganglion cells (their axons intertwine to form optic nerve)
- feature detection: brains detection cells respond to specific features (like edges, angles, and lines)
- parallel processing: Brians cell team process combine information
- recognition
hearing process
- ear drum
- middle ear
- cochlea
4.inner ear
incoming vibrations trigger cochleas membrane cover opening (oval window) to vibrate THEN motion ripples in basilar membrane bending hair cells THEN hair cells trigger impulse in adjacent nerve cells who’s icon makes the auditory nerdy THEN the thalamus THEN auditory cortex
iris
a ring of muscle tissue that forms the colored portion of the eye around the pupil
- controls site of the pupil opening
frontal lobe
(behind forehead)
- responsible for higher order thinking, decision making, and executive function
- more specifically strong in the prefrontal
cones
-retinal receptors that are concentrated near the center of retina and that fiction in daylight/well-lit conditions
- detect fine details and give rise to color sensation
- detail and color
motor cortex
(at the back of the frontal lobes)
- controls muscle movements
blindspot
paint at which the optic nerve leaves the eyes which creates a ‘blindspot’ because no receptors cells are located there
- brain fills in the “holes”
medulla
the brain stems BASE ; controls heartbeat and breathing (manages vital functions)
- without it you wouldn’t survive
consciousness
or subjective awareness of ourselves and our environment
dopamine
neurotransmitter
- involved in reward and motivation
- and influences moves, learning, attention, and emotion
depolarization
when neurons charge becomes less negative leading to firing
- when the outside of a neuron and the inside of the neuron mixx charges
motor and sensory neurons: where to find them and definition
both are in PNS (peripheral nervous system)
-Motor– from brain tissue and organs throughout the body allowing movement
- sensory– get information from environment and send them to brain
Nicotine– type, pleasure, and bad effect
Stimulant
“GOOD”
- arousal and relaxation, sense of well-being
BAD
- herat disorders or cancer
methamphetamine– type, pleasure, and bad effect
stimulant
‘GOOD’
- euphoria and alertness and energy
BAD
- irritability, incoming, seizures, and hyper tense
caffeine– type, pleasure, and bad effect
Stimulant
“GOOD”
- high alertness and awakens
BAD
- anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia in high doses
cocaine– type, pleasure, and bad effect
stimulant
“GOOD”
- rush of euphoria, increased confidence and energy
BAD
- cardiovascular stress, suspiciousness, depressive crash
ecstasy aka MDMA– type, pleasure, and bad effect
Stimulant and MILD Hallucinogen
“GOOD”
- emotional elevation and disinhibition
BAD
- dehydration, overheating, depressed mood, poor cognitive and immune system
heroine– type, pleasure, and bad effect
Depressant
“GOOD”
- rush of euphoria, relief from pain
BAD
- loss of natural endorphins
alcohol– type, pleasure, and bad effect
Depresant
“GOOD”
- initial high then relaxation and disinhibition
BAD
- depression, memory loss, organ damage, impaired reactions and motor skills
LSD– type, pleasure, and bad effect
Hallucinogen
“GOOD”
- visual “trip”
BAD
- rich of panic
opioids– type
Depressant
- depresses neural activity temporarily lessening pain and anxiety
- if abused the brain stops producing endorphins
marijuana– type, pleasure, and bad effect
Halluciongen
“GOOD”
- enhanced sensory, pain relied, distorted time, and relaxation
BAD
- impaired learning and memory, risk of phycological disorder
evolutionary psychology
the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind using principles of natural selection
behavior genetics
the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environment influence on behavior
epigenetic
hour our environment influences genetics expression without changing DNA itself (something turning a gene on and off)
norepinephrine
neurotransmitter
- arouses alertness and energy
GABA
neurotransmitter
- calms down nervous system
glutamate
neurotransmitter
- most common excitatory neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory
reuptake
a neurotransmitter reabsorption by the sending neuron
- whatever the receiving neuron does not use gets sucked back by the sending neuron
hallucinogens– def., examples, and effect
DEF.
- alters perception and can cause visual and auditory hallucinations
EXAMPLES
-LSD
- Marijuana
EFFECT
-affects serotonin which leads to distorted reality and or mood shifts
depressants– def., examples, and effect
DEF
Slows body functions and neural activity
EXAMPLES
- alc
-barbiturates
EFFECT
- enhances GABA, reducing anxiety BUT impairing motor skills
genome
the complete set of genetic instruction for an organism
leptin
hormone
- regulates hunger and fat storage
melatonin
hormone
- regulates sleep-wake cycles
endocrine system and hormones
E.S– slower communication system that uses hormones instead of neurotransmitters
H– chemical messengers that rebel through the bloodstream and effect MOOD and BEHAVIOR
brain TO pituitary gland TO other glands TO hormones TO body and brain
reuptake inhibitors
drugs that prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters which increases their activity
psychoactive drugs
substances that effect brain acting and lead to chained in perception, mood, or consciousness
genes
basic units of heredity
refractory period
ofter bring the neuron needs time to reset before firing again
all-or-nothing principle
a neuron either fires or it doesn’t
multiple sclerosis (MS)
the myelin sheath is damaged
-slowing down or blocking signals
substance P
neurotransmitter
- involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain
- related by sensory neurons in response to injury or stress
serotonin
neurotransmitter
- regulates mood and sleep and hunger and arousal
stimulants– def., examples, and effect
DEF
- speeds up body functions and enhances energy
EXMAPLES
- caffeine, cocaine, ecstasy, meth
EFFECT
- boosts norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels which leads to heightened alertness and energy
agonists
drugs that mimic neurotransmitters or enhance their action
myasthenia gravis
an autoimmune disorder where ACH receipts are attacked which leads to muscle weakness
eugenics
controversial idea of imposing human population through selective breeding
substance use disorder
when drug use becomes uncontrollable and interfere with daily life
neurotransmitter effects
psychoactive drugs change how neurotransmitters operate by either enhancing or inhibiting their function
heredity
the genetic transfer of characteristic from parent to offspring
oxytocin
hormone
- influences bonding and social behaviors
interneurons— where they are and definition
in the CNS
- process information and control actions form within
endorphins
neurotransmitter
- natural painkillers
mutation
random error in gene replication that leads to a change
inhibitory neurotransmitters– three examples
neurotransmitters that prevent neurons from firing
- serotonin, GABA, and endorphins
excitatory neurotransmitter- three examples
neurotransmitters that encourage neurons to fire
- dopamine, norepinephrine, glutatame
adrenaline
hormone
- increases heat rate and energy
synapse
gap between neurons where communication occurs, transfer signals using neurotransmitters between neurons
- allows Brian to process complex information
action potential and threshold
A.P– a brief electrical charge that travels down the axon
- it is triggered when the neuron reaches a threshold (the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse)
antagonists
drugs that block neurotransmitters activity
glial cells– def, function, and action
the brains “support staff”
- function– protect, nourish, and clean uo after neurons
-action– maintains environment for neurons to function properly
acetylcholine (Ach)
enables muscle action, learning, and memory
- needed for EVERY muscle to move
neurons
specialized cells that transmit electrical signals between brain body and back
gherlin
hormone
-stimulates hunger
