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AP Psychology > Unit 1 - All Vocab > Flashcards

Unit 1 - All Vocab Flashcards

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1
Q

Neuron

A

Nerve cell

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2
Q

Cell Body

A

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus

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3
Q

Dentrites

A

A neurons extensions that receive and integrate messages

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4
Q

Axon

A

Neuron extension that passes messages to other neurons or muscles/glands

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5
Q

Myelin Sheath

A

Fatty tissue layer encasing axons to allow greater transmission speed

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6
Q

Glial Cells

A

Cells in the nervous system that help neurons and play a role in learning, thinking and memory

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7
Q

Action Potential

A

A neural impulse - a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon

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8
Q

Threshold

A

Level of stimulation required to trigger neural impulse

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9
Q

Refractory Period

A

Brief resting phase after a neuron has fired

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10
Q

All or None Response

A

A neuron will either fire or it wont

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11
Q

Synapse

A

Meeting point between neurons - axon and dentrite (synaptic gap)

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12
Q

Nuerotransmitters

A

Chemical messages that cross the synaptic gap

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13
Q

Reuptake

A

A neurotransmitters reabsorption by the sending neuron

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14
Q

Axon Terminal

A

The end of an axon that transmits electrical impulses to other cells

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15
Q

Agonist

A

A molecule that increases a neurotransmitters action

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16
Q

Antagonist

A

A molecule that blocks a neurotransmitters action

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17
Q

Nervous System

A

The body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the CNS and PNS

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18
Q

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A

The brain and spinal cord

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19
Q

Peripheral Nervous System

A

The sensory and motor neurons that connect the CNS to the rest of the body (our nerves)

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20
Q

Nerves

A

Bundled axons that form neural cables connecting the CNS with muscles, glands and sense organs

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21
Q

Sensory (Afferent) Nuerons

A

Neurons that carry incoming information

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22
Q

Motor (Efferent) neurons

A

Neurons that carry outgoing information

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23
Q

Interneurons

A

Neurons within the brain and spinal cord

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24
Q

Somatic Nervous System

A

Controls the body of the skeletal muscles (voluntary)

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25
Q

Autonomic Nervous System

A

Controls glands and muscles of the internal organs (Involuntary - automatic)

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26
Q

Sympathetic Nervous System

A

Part of ANS that arouses the body, mobilizing energy

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27
Q

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A

Part of ANS that calms the body, conserving energy

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28
Q

Reflexes

A

A simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus

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29
Q

Endocrine System

A

The body’s “slow” chemical communication system - a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream

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30
Q

Hormones

A

Chemical messengers manufactured by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream

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31
Q

Adrenal Glands

A

Endocrine glands above the pancreas that secrete hormones to arouse the body in times of stress

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32
Q

Pituitary Glands

A

Most influential - regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands

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33
Q

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A

Neurotransmitter that controls voluntary movement and muscle contraction (also plays a role in learning, memory and sleep)

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34
Q

Dopamine

A

A neurotransmitter that controls movement, attention and alertness, and rewards

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35
Q

GABA

A

A neurotransmitter that inhibits excitation and anxiety (calming)

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36
Q

Endorphins

A

Neurotransmitters that play a role in pain relief, feelings of pleasure and stress reduction - “natural opiates”

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37
Q

Serotonin

A

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, hunger/appetite and sleep

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38
Q

Epinephrine/Norepinephrine

A

Neurotransmitter that enable the “flight or fight” response - slows down appetite and digestion during response

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39
Q

Glutamate

A

Neurotransmitter involved in memory. Major excitatory neurotransmitter

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40
Q

Substance P

A

Neurotransmitter involved in pain perception and immune response

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41
Q

Adrenaline

A

Hormone produced by the adrenal gland in order to handle stress

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42
Q

Leptin

A

A hormone that reduces the feeling of hunger

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43
Q

Ghrelin

A

Hormone that increases the feeling of hunger and can signal the pituitary gland to release growth hormone

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44
Q

Melatonin

A

Hormone released by the pineal gland (photosensitive) that makes you feel sleepy and regulates your circadian rhythm

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45
Q

Oxytocin

A

The “love” hormone - plays a role in bonding and trust

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46
Q

Lesion

A

Naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue

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47
Q

EEG

A

Neural measure in which electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure electrical activity in neurons

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48
Q

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A

Neural measure in which magnetic fields and radio waves provide a map of brain structure

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49
Q

fMRI (Functioning)

A

Neural measure that measures blood flow to brain regions by comparing continuous MRI’s

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50
Q

Brain stem

A

Core of the brain (and oldest part) responsible for automatic survival functions

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51
Q

Medulla (and Pons)

A

Base of brain stem controlling heartbeat and breathing (Pons: coordination and sleep)

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52
Q

Thalamus

A

Sensory control center located on the top of the brain stem (directs messages)

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53
Q

Reticular Formation

A

A nerve network that travels through the brain stem into the thalamus and plays an important part in controlling arousal

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54
Q

Cerebellum

A

“Little Brain” at the rear of the brain stem that processes sensory input, coordinates movement and balance and enables nonverbal learning and memory

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55
Q

Limbic System

A

Neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres (amygdala, hypothalamus and hippocampus) associated with emotions and drives

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56
Q

Amygdala

A

Lima bean sized neural clusters in the limbic system linked to aggression and fear

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57
Q

Hypothalamus

A

Neural structure in the limbic system, below the thalamus, that directs maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature) and helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland

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58
Q

Hippocampus

A

Neural center in the limbic system that stores long term memory/events

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59
Q

Cerebral Cortex

A

A thin surface layer of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres

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60
Q

Frontal Lobes

A

Located just behind the forehead, involved in speaking, muscle movements, making plans and judgement

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61
Q

Parietal Lobes

A

Located on the top of/rear of the head, receives sensory input for touch and body position

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62
Q

Occipital Lobes

A

Located at the back of the head, receives information from the visual field

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63
Q

Temporal Lobes

A

Located above the ears, includes auditory areas, receiving information from the opposite ear

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64
Q

Motor Cortex

A

An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that control voluntary movements

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65
Q

Somatosensory Cortex

A

An area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations

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66
Q

Association Areas

A

Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions, rather they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking and speaking

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67
Q

Plasticity

A

The brains ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage, or by building new pathways based on experience (what makes the human brain unique)

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68
Q

Neurogenisis

A

The formation of new neurons

69
Q

Aphasia

A

Impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Broca’s area or Wernicke’s area

70
Q

Broca’s Area

A

Located on the left hemisphere of the frontal lobes, helps control language expression and directs muscle movements involved in speech

71
Q

Wernicke’s Area

A

Located on the left temporal lobe, involved in language comprehension and expression

72
Q

Corpus Callosum

A

The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them

73
Q

Split Brain

A

A condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brains two hemispheres by cutting the fibers connecting them (corpus callosum)

74
Q

Consciousness

A

Our subjective awareness of ourselves and our environment

75
Q

Cognitive Neuroscience

A

The interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with our mental processes

76
Q

Dual Processing

A

The principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks

77
Q

Blindsight

A

A condition in which a person can respond to a visual stimulus without consciously experiencing it

78
Q

Parallel Processing

A

Processing many aspects of a problem simultaneously; generally used to process well-learned information or to solve easy problems

79
Q

Sequential Processing

A

Processing one aspect of a problem at a time; generally used to process new information or to solve difficult problems

80
Q

Behavior Genetics

A

The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

81
Q

Heredity

A

The genetic transfer of of characteristics from parents to offspring

82
Q

Environment

A

Every non-genetic influence

83
Q

Chromosomes

A

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

84
Q

DNA

A

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up chromosomes

85
Q

Genes

A

Segments of DNA capable of of synthesizing proteins

86
Q

Genome

A

All the genetic material in an organisms chromosomes

87
Q

Identical (monozygotic) twins

A

Develop from a single, fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.

88
Q

Fraternal (dizygotic) twins

A

Develop from seperate fertilized eggs. Genetically no similar than ordinary siblings.

89
Q

Heritability

A

The proportion of variation among individuals in a group that we can attribute to genes

90
Q

Interaction

A

The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (environment) depends on another (heredity)

91
Q

Molecular Genetics

A

Studies the molecular structure and function of genes

92
Q

Molecular Behavior Genetics

A

The study of how the structure and function and genes interact with our environment to influence behavior.

93
Q

Epigenetics

A

The study of environmental influences on gene expression

94
Q

Natural Selection

A

The principle that successful traits will be passed down through generations

95
Q

Mutation

A

Random error in gene replication that leads to a change

96
Q

Social Script

A

A culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations

97
Q

Sleep

A

A periodic, natural loss of consciousness

98
Q

Circadian Rhythm

A

Our biological clock (24 hour cycle)

99
Q

REM Sleep

A

Sleep stage in which muscles are relaxes and vivid dreams occur

100
Q

Alpha Waves

A

Slow brain waves of the relaxed, awake state

101
Q

NREM Sleep

A

All sleep stages except for REM

102
Q

Hallucinations

A

Sensory experiences that occur without a sensory stimulus

103
Q

Hypnagogic Sensations

A

Bizarre experiences while transitioning to sleep

104
Q

Delta Waves

A

Large, slow brain waves associated with the deep sleep of NREM-3

105
Q

Suprachiamatic Nucleus (SNC)

A

A pair of cell clusters in the hypothalamus that controls circadian rhythm

106
Q

Insomnia

A

Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep

107
Q

Narcolepsy

A

Sudden attacks of overwhelming sleepiness

108
Q

Sleep Apnea

A

Stopping breathing repeatedly while sleeping

109
Q

Night Terrors

A

appearing terrified, talking nonsense, sitting up or walking around during NREM-3 sleep

110
Q

Sleep walking/sleep talking

A

Occurs during REM sleep - acting out your dreams

111
Q

Dream

A

Sequence of image, emotions and thoughts passing through a sleeping persons mind

112
Q

Manifest Content

A

Symbolic, remembered story line of a dream

113
Q

Latent Content

A

Underlying meaning of a dream

114
Q

REM Rebound

A

The tendency for REM Sleep to increase following REM Sleep deprivation

115
Q

Psychoactive Drug

A

A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods

116
Q

Substance Use Disorder

A

Continued substance use and craving despite life disruption/physical risk

117
Q

Tolerance

A

Diminishing effect of substance with the same dose, requiring larger and larger doses to receive the same effect

118
Q

Withdrawal

A

Discomfort/distress following discontinued substance use

119
Q

Depressants

A

Drugs that reduce neural activity

120
Q

Alcohol Use Disorder

A

Prolonged and excessive drinking

121
Q

Stimulants

A

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions

122
Q

Cociane

A

A powerful/addictive stimulant that produces temporarily increased alertness and euphoria

123
Q

Hallucinogens

A

Psychedelic (“mind-manifesting”) drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images

124
Q

Near-death Experience

A

Altered state of consciousness reported after a close brush with death (similar to the effect of hallucinogens)

125
Q

Marijuana

A

A hallucinogen with the active ingredient being THC

126
Q

Cocaine

A

A depressant that produces feelings of sedation and well-being

127
Q

Caffeine

A

A stimulants that makes you feel less tired

128
Q

Transduction

A

The process of converting one form of energy into another form that our brain can use

129
Q

Psychophysics

A

The study of the relationships between the physical energy we can detect and its effects on our physchological experiences

130
Q

Absolute Threshold

A

The minimum stimulus energy needed to detect a particular stimulus 50% of the time

131
Q

Signal Detection Theory

A

Predicts when we detect weak signals

132
Q

Subliminal

A

Below ones absolute threshold for conscious awareness

133
Q

Difference Threshold

A

The minimum difference between two stimuli required for detection 50% of the time (just noticeable difference)

134
Q

Priming

A

The activation, often unconsciously, of certain associations, thus predisposing ones perception, memory or response

135
Q

Weber’s Law

A

The principle that, to be perceived as different, two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage

136
Q

Sensory Adaptation

A

Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation

137
Q

Wavelength

A

Distance from the peak of one light or sound wave to the next

138
Q

Hue

A

Dimension of color determined by wavelength of light

139
Q

Intensity

A

Amount of energy in a light or sound wave

140
Q

Cornea

A

The eyes clear, protective outer layer that covers the pupil and the iris

141
Q

Pupil

A

The adjustable opening in the center of the eye through which light enters

142
Q

Iris

A

Ring of muscle tissue that forms the colored portion of the eye around the pupil and controls the opening of the pupil

143
Q

Lens

A

Transparent structure behind the pupil that changes shape to focus images on the retina

144
Q

Accommodation

A

The process by which the eyes lens changes shape to focus on near and far objects on the retina

145
Q

Rods

A

Retinal receptors that detect black, white, and gray. Necessary for peripheral/twilight vision.

146
Q

Cones

A

Retinal receptors that function in daylight/well-lit conditions. Detect fine detail/color.

147
Q

Optic Nerve

A

The nerve that carries neural impulses from the eye to the brain

148
Q

Blind Spot

A

Point at which the optic nerve leaves the eye, creating a “blind” spot because there are no receptor cells.

149
Q

Fovea

A

Central, focal point in the retina, around which the eyes cones cluster

150
Q

Three Color Theory

A

The theory that the retina contains 3 different types of color receptors (red, green, blue) which when stimulated, in combination, can produce the perception of any color.

151
Q

Opponent Process Theory

A

The theory that opposing retinal processes enable color vision

152
Q

Feature Detectors

A

Nerve Cells in the brains visual cortex that respond to specific features of the stimulus (shape, angle, movement etc.)

153
Q

Audition

A

The sense or act of hearing (hearing)

154
Q

Frequency

A

The number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a given time

155
Q

Pitch

A

A tone’s experienced highness or lowness; depends on frequency

156
Q

Middle Ear

A

The chamber between the eardrum and cochlea containing three tiny bones that concentrate the vibrations of the eardrum on the cochlea’s oval window

157
Q

Cochlea

A

A coiled, bony, fluid filled tube in the inner ear; sound waves traveling through the cochlea fluid trigger nerve impulses

158
Q

Inner Ear

A

The innermost part of the ear, containing the cochlea, semicircular canals, and vestibular sacs

159
Q

Sensorineural hearing loss

A

Most common and aka “nerve deafness”, results from damage to the cochlea’s receptor cells and auditory nerves

160
Q

Conduction Hearing Loss

A

Less common, caused by damage to the mechanical system, that conducts sound waves to the cochlea

161
Q

Cochlear Implant

A

A device for converting sounds into electrical signals and stimulating the auditory nerve through electrodes threaded into the cochlea

162
Q

Place Theory

A

In hearing, the theory that links the pitch we hear with the place where the cochlea’s membrane is stimulated

163
Q

Frequency Theory

A

In hearing, the theory that the rate of nerve impulses traveling up the auditory nerve matched the frequency of a tone, enabling us to sense its pitch

164
Q

Gate Control Theory

A

The theory that the spinal cord contains a neurological “gate” that blocks pain signals or allows them to pass onto the brain

165
Q

Olfaction

A

The sense of smell

166
Q

Kinesthesia

A

Our movement sense - our system for position and movement

167
Q

Vestibular Sense

A

Our sense of body movement and position that enables our sense of balance

168
Q

Sensory Interaction

A

The principle that one sense may influence another

169
Q

Embodied Cognition

A

The influence of bodily sensations, gestures and other states on cognitive preferences and judgements

AP Psychology (5 decks)

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