AP Psychology Chapter 2 Biological Psychology Flashcards
cells that process incoming signals and respond by sending out signals of their own
Neurons
cells that aid in the transferring of a signal, help keep the basic structure of the nervous system intact, and provide nourishment to neurons
Glial Cells
branch-like structures that receive information from adjacent neurons
dendrites
the centerpiece of a neuron that contains information (DNA) that determine how a neuron will function.
Nucleus
The cell body of the nucleus that produces neurotransmitter substances and helps protect the vital information contained in the nucleus.
Soma
a gatekeeper-like structure that determines whether information will proceed down the neuron.
Axon Hillock
The neural fiber that transmits or send information from the soma to the other end of the neuron.
Axon
a fatty tissue substance that protects information stored inside the axon
Myelin
gaps between sections of myelin that speed up the process of transmission
Nodes of Ranvier
the ending part of the neuron that releases information
Axon terminal/buttons
the space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of an adjacent neuron
synapse/synaptic cleft
chemicals that transfer information from one neuron to another.
Neurotransmitters
an area on the dendrite that accepts neurotransmitters.
Receptor Site
an area on the dendrite that returns unused neurotransmitters, where they wait until another signal allows them to reenter the synapse.
Reuptake Centers
neurons that transmit information from the spinal cord to the brain.
Afferent (sensory) neurons
neurons that transmit information from the brain to muscles and glands
Efferent (motor) neurons
Negatively charged chloride ions exist with the axon, resulting in a negative charge
Polarization
Negatively charged ions wait for stimulation within the axon. The neuron is said to be inactive and is waiting for another increase in electrical charge.
Resting Potential
When stimulated, the channels along the axon allow positively charged sodium, which is on the outside of a resting neuron, and potassium ions to enter. This causes subsequent sodium and potassium channels to open, thus propelling the electrochemical process down the axon.
Depolarization
A change in the balance of the overall charge of the neuron causes the electrochemical signal to travel (it is fired) along the axon.
Action Potential
A point of excitation on the neuron that must be reached for an action potential to occur.
Threshold
Once the threshold is reached the neuron will fire at full strength. If the threshold is not reached, the neuron will not fire.
All-or-none Principle
The period after a neuron fires, at which time it is less susceptible to stimulation from other neurons. The neuron must recharge itself electrically until it reaches polarization. Once this occurs, the neuron is ready to fire again. This only takes a fraction of a second in the nervous system, as opposed to the endocrine system which is much slower.
Refractory Period
Function: Memory, mood, voluntary muscle movement
Excess: Convulsions or excess shaking
Deficiency: Alzheimer’s disease, paralysis
Acetylcholine
Function: Feelings of euphoria (reward), movement
Excess: Schizophrenia
Deficiency: Parkinson’s disease
Dopamine
Function: Mood, appetite, impulsiveness
Excess: Tremors, headaches
Deficiency: Depression, eating disorders, alcoholism, aggression.
Serotonin
Function: Mood, sleep, movement
Excess: Lethargy
Deficiency: Anxiety disorders, Huntington’s disease
GABA
Function: Alertness, sleep, learning
Excess: Fear, anxiety
Deficiency: Depression
Norepinephrine
Function: Memory
Excess: Brain damage due to overstimulation
Deficiency: Neurological disorders
Glutamate
System responsible for processing and distributing information throughout the body.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Responsible for cognitive functioning
Brain
Responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.
Spinal Cord
System responsible for voluntary movement and regulation of vital processes.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
System responsible for voluntary movement and contains afferent and efferent nerve fibers.
Somatic Nervous System
Automatic regulation of vital human functioning (breathing, digestion, heartbeat, etc.)
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Spends reserved energy
Sympathetic Nervous System
Restores and repairs spent energy
Parasympathetic Nervous System
the tendency for one hemisphere to excel in the performance of certain tasks.
Laterization
the neural tissue/fiber that connects the two halves of the brain.
Corpus Callosum
areas of the brain that receive and combine information from multiple sources allowing for the performance of complicated tasks.
Association Areas
Areas of the brain that are specialized in the production of certain tasks.
Functional Areas
Located just behind the forehead and the largest of the four lobes.
Responsible for controlling inhibitions, short-term memory, reasoning, and planning for the future.
Damage to this are of the brain may result in the person being impulsive or profane, experiencing difficulty making decisions, and having trouble planning for future events.
Frontal Lobe
Responsible for receiving and combining tactile stimuli from all over the body to allow the formation of a single concept
Damage to this area may result in an inability to integrate sensations normally.
Parietal Lobe
