Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

AP Psych > Unit 1 Quest > Flashcards

Unit 1 Quest Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Psychology 101 flashcards GRE® Psychology flashcards AP® Psychology flashcards
1
Q

Somatic Nervous System

A

Enables voluntary(conscious, intentional) control of our skeletal muscles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Glial cells

A

Helps to feed and cover neurons; also helps with neural communication
- They have like feeding tubes to feed the neurons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Pituitary Gland

A

Commands all glandular activity in coordination with neurotransmitter signals; secretes hormones to regulate body growth as we mature. Also releases oxytocin. Brain signals this gland which
communicates with other glands to produce hormones which also
influences vital bodily and brain processes(like stress response)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Reuptake

A

When the sending neuron reabsorbs(reuptakes) excess neurotransmitters into the axon terminal(synaptic vesicle) from the synapse after the reaction has occurred

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Firing Threshold
- All or none response system

A

Amount of stimulation or activity necessary to trigger a neural impulse/firing
- A neuron either fires or it doesn’t; so if the threshold isn’t reached it just will not fire

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Cerebral cortex
- Definition
- Is it mostly gray or white matter?
- In terms of the physical structure of the brain, why is it important that this layer of brain tissue is composed of several folds?

A
  • The thin layer of interconnected neural cells covering each hemisphere . Includes the frontal Lobe - Parietal Lobe - Occipital Lobe - Temporal Lobe. Also Known as the “thinking crown” where most information is processed and behaviors are controlled.
  • Gray matter
  • Brain folds allow for more surface area thus more cortex for learning and complex thinking
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Hormones

A

Chemical messengers that travel through blood and affect tissues and brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Resting potential

A

The electrical charge difference between the inside and outside of a neuron when it is not actively sending signals. The inside of the cell is more negative than the outside.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

If I flashed a blue light in the right eye of a split-brain patient (their hemispheres are surgically separated to treat seizures) and a yellow light in the left eye, would each hemisphere observe its own color? What color would the person actually report seeing? Consider the more verbal hemisphere.

A

In a split-brain patient, the hemispheres are surgically separated, meaning they cannot directly communicate through the corpus callosum. If a blue light is flashed in the right eye, the information is processed by the left hemisphere, and if a yellow light is flashed in the left eye, it is processed by the right hemisphere. Because the left hemisphere is dominant for spoken language and verbal processing, the person would report seeing blue—the color processed by the left hemisphere—even though the right hemisphere sees yellow. The two hemispheres cannot share information due to the severed corpus callosum, so the verbal hemisphere (left) determines the reported perception.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Cortisol

A

Body’s main stress hormone that works with certain parts of your brain to control your mood, energy, motivation, fight-flight fear response, blood pressure, and tissue inflammation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

While walking home from school, Jimmy is chased by a snarling dog that has escaped from
its owner’s yard. How will his sympathetic system help him avoid the dog? Describe the bodily sensations and changes that Jimmy will experience due to this incident (choose three physiological reactions and one psychological reaction). Once
Jimmy is home and safe from attack, how will his physiology and psychology change due to the parasympathetic system? Again, provide three physiological reactions and one psychological.

A

His sympathetic nervous system will increase his blood supply to help him escape from the dog and return to safety. Jimmy will experience an increased heartbeat, increased blood pressure, reduced digestion, and have racing thoughts. Once home, Jimmy will have a slowed heartbeat, increased digestion, calmed down blood pressure, and more self-control.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

In the proper order, explain the process of a neuron receiving a chemical signal and firing
to release its own chemical compounds to communicate with a nearby neuron. Begin with dendrites receiving
neurotransmitters. Be sure to focus on the specific function(s) of each piece of anatomy in your answer. You must include
these terms: Dendrite, Axon, Nucleus, Threshold, Synapse, Reuptake, Synaptic Vesicles, Neurotransmitters, Myelin Sheath,
Axon Terminal and Action Potential – underline all terms (5 points)

A

When a neuron receives a chemical signal, the process begins with its dendrites receiving neurotransmitters from a neighboring neuron across the synapse. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the dendrites, and if the signal is strong enough, it causes the neuron’s membrane potential to reach the threshold. This triggers an action potential, an electrical impulse that travels down the axon, which is insulated by the myelin sheath to speed up the signal. As the action potential reaches the axon terminal, it causes synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the next neuron to continue the signal. Afterward, any leftover neurotransmitters are either broken down or taken back up into the original neuron through a process called reuptake for reuse.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Reflex

A

A simple automatic response to a sensory stimulus
- ex: jumping when someone frightens you

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Repolarization

A

Brings the cell back to resting potential and makes the cell more negative. The sodium channels close and potassium channels open(which brings potassium out of the cell), stopping the inward rush of positive ions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Taking the perspective of a scientist studying neurotransmitters: Why would a person enjoy eating very spicy foods, getting
tattoos, or the muscle burn that comes with sports training (running, weightlifting, etc.)?

A

They would enjoy these things because of endorphins where you feel pleasure instead of pain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Depolarization

A

Positively charged sodium ions (Na+) rush into a neuron through the sodium channels and due to this the inside of the neuron is more positive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Temporal Lobe

A

Processes auditory information

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Let’s say you stub your toe on the coffee table leg. Using the central nervous (CNS) and peripheral nervous (PNS) systems, as well as sensory and motor neurons, briefly detail the process of a pain signal being felt and sent to the brain, as well as
the resulting action of pulling your hand away.

A

When you stub your toe, sensory receptors in your skin detect the pain and send a signal through sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to your spinal cord, part of the central nervous system (CNS). This triggers a reflex, causing you to quickly pull your foot away via motor neurons. Meanwhile, the pain signal travels to the brain where it’s processed, making you aware of the pain. Finally, your brain sends a signal through motor neurons, allowing you to react further, like rubbing your toe.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Agonist

A

Mimics a neurotransmitter on the receiving neuron’s receptor site. They are typically excitatory molecules
- ex: Morphine mimics(acts like) endorphins which amplifies pleasure and eases pain by increasing dopamine production

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

A
  • Successive MRI scans that show the movement of oxygenated blood in the brain which reveals the most active areas of the brain
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Action Potential

A

An electrical charge(neural impulse) that travels down an axon once the neuron’s firing threshold is reached

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Peripheral Nervous System(PNS)

A

Sensory and motor neurons linking CNS to rest of the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Reflex arc
- Defintion
- Example
- Why do these function?

A
  • Pathway that a reflex takes in the body. It goes receptors on skin- sensory neuron- spinal cord- motor neuron- muscles
  • Ex: If you put your hand on a hot stove, your skin receptors will first detect the hot temperature. Then, a sensory neuron sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord by using interneurons. You have relay neurons that connect the sensory neurons and motor neurons. The motor neurons send signals to your muscle, then your muscle contracts and your hand will pull away from the hot stove.
  • These function to maintain balance while walking, with your posture, and to avoid major injury
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Brain plasticity

A

The ability of the brain to rewire itself
throughout our lives based on experiences, thoughts, and injuries to help us adapt to new things. Brain plasticity makes things move faster and more coordinated. It also makes brain energy more energy efficient.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

List 3 functions of the right brain hemisphere- you must include contralateral organization as one of the functions

A
  • Symbols and images
  • Imagination and intuiton
  • Controls left side movement(contralateral organization)
  • Creative
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Which neurotransmitter is most active in the pleasure pathway and reward responses? Which neurotransmitter or receptor
site is of most concern to scientists working on antidepressant medication that block reuptake?

A

Dopamine; Serotonin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Stroke

A

Ruptured artery in the brain or an artery carrying blood to the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot or plaque buildup (poor diet, tobacco use, etc.)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Corpus callosum

A

Connective tissue between the hemispheres of the brain and carries messages between them

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

fMRI vs MRI

A

MRI shows anatomy; an fMRI shows the brain functioning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Read through study guide and notes

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Central Nervous System(CNS)

A

Brain and spinal cord

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Melatonin

A

Helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep – being exposed to light (including screens, overhead lights, sun, etc.) at night can block melatonin production

33
Q

3 functions of the limbic system

A

Memory, instinct, mood/emotions

34
Q

Neural Networks

A
  • Interconnected neural cells, similar to electrical circuits
  • Electrical activation and firing leads to neural or dendrite branching and interconnections that look like multidimensional webs
35
Q

Antagonist

A

Blocks the receptor site, but not similar enough to stimulate the receptor. They are typically inhibitory molecules.
- ex: Some snake and spider venom blocks Ach receptors, which paralyzes muscles

36
Q

Parts of a Neuron and Functions(Be able to label on a diagram)
- Dendrite
- Axon
-Nucleus
- Synapse
- Synaptic vesicles
- Axon Terminal

A
  • Part of a neuron that is on the end and it receives messages and conducts impulses towards the cell body
  • Long part of a neuron that passes message along to other neurons or to muscles
  • In the center of the cell body of a neuron. The nucleus controls the entire neuron.
  • The space between two neurons(the axon of one neuron and the dendrite on the other neuron)
  • Little pockets that hold neurotransmitters; they are found in the axon terminal
  • Bottom part of a neuron that connects with another neuron; They send messages to the next neuron
37
Q

Hyperpolarization

A

Change in a cell’s membrane potential that makes it more negative. It is the opposite of a depolarization

38
Q

Name the medical diagnosis and related symptoms that arise from degeneration of myelin on neural axons.

A

Multiple sclerosis(MS); The symptoms are unpredictable however some lose the ability to see clearly, to write, speak, or walk.

39
Q

Motor Neurons

A

Carry outgoing info from CNS to muscles or glands; they deal with body movement

40
Q

Multiple sclerosis(MS)

A

MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system(CNS). It is an autoimmune disorder when the body attacks itself because of myelin degeneration. MS flare ups could be from 24 hours to months. Sometimes symptoms don’t appear for years.

41
Q

Which of the brain imaging techniques would be best suited for watching the neurological process of reading a book? Name two options

A

fMRI and PET scan

42
Q

What brain areas make up the limbic system?

A

Thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, olfactory bulb

43
Q

Endorphins

A

Naturally occurring opiate-like neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and pain signaling(around 20 types); These make you feel pain but as pleasure instead.

44
Q

Top-Down Processing

A

Slow thinking, deliberate and voluntary, CONSCIOUS cognitive processes, directed attention

45
Q

Motor Cortex

A

Brain area that controls body movement and outgoing signals from the body

46
Q

List foods a nutritional psychiatrist might suggest to a depressed patient who mainly relies mostly on simple sugars, fried foods and processed carbohydrates for their calories.

A

Fish(for fatty acids), fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt

47
Q

Explain the basic maturation process of the brain in terms of directionality (front, back, bottom, top, etc.). What is the average age range at which the brain is considered essentially mature? What is the final brain area to mature and how does this help to explain why children are more likely than middle-aged adults to make poor decisions, focus/attention, drug
addiction, impulsiveness, etc.?

A
  • The brain develops from the bottom back to the top front(think of a backwards C)
  • The brain is considered fully mature around 23-25 years old
  • The final brain area to mature is the prefrontal cortex which includes logical thinking. This explains why teens make impulsive and emotional decisions rather than logic.
48
Q

Bottom-Up Processing

A

fast thinking, SENSORY level, unconscious , fast reactions, quick visual identification

49
Q

Oxytocin

A

Produced in the hypothalamus, it plays a role insocial bonding,sex and reproduction,childbirth. It also plays a role inbonding with one’s babyandstimulating milk production for breast feeding

50
Q

Under what conditions or which types of injuries might a CT scan be recommended by a physician?

A

Tumors, internal bleeding, head injuries

51
Q

Myelin sheath

A

Layer of fatty tissue that speeds up neural impulses

52
Q

Neural/synaptic pruning

A

When you don’t use a part of your brain, it becomes slowly eliminated to make space for something else useful

53
Q

Leptin

A

A hormone that inhibits hunger (you’re full, stop eating), which in turn diminishes fat storage

54
Q

Review brain areas and neuron anatomy diagrams

A
55
Q

Endocrine System

A

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

56
Q

Computed Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) Scan

A

-Examines brain for damage or lesions using X-ray images and computer systems – more detailed than an X-ray
- Uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues (identifies tumors, blood clots, internal bleeding )

57
Q

Neurogenesis

A

Formation or growth of new neurons (created by glial cells)
▫ After suffering a brain injury, neurogenesis may try to self-repair by reorganizing existing tissue or producing new cells

58
Q

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

A
  • Depicts brain activity by showing each brain area’s consumption of the sugar glucose (which is made temporarily radioactive)
  • Used in pharmaceutical research to help “tag and trace” certain compounds as they move through the brain
59
Q

What is the brain’s hormonal communication process?

A

Brain - Pituitary Gland- Other Glands - Hormone Release- Body & Brain

60
Q

List 3 functions of the left brain hemisphere- you must include contralateral organization as one of the functions

A
  • Controls right side movement(contralateral organization)
  • Organization and order
  • Logical/ rational thinking
  • Written and spoken language
  • Prefers safer activities and predictability; controlling types
  • Concrete facts and details; objective and analytical
    Good at separating and seeing differences
61
Q

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A
  • Saves energy, calms down
    systems or arousal levels; heartbeat slows
  • Frontal Lobe and more
    evolved brain areas active(you are thinking logically and have self-control)
62
Q

Ghrelin(aka _____ hormone)

A

(Hunger hormone) Hormone produced in your stomach that is released when it’s empty to signal your brain that it’s time to eat

63
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

Chemical messengers that bind to receptor sites; 100s of kinds

64
Q

Lesioning

A

Small areas of radiofrequency burn damage (lesions) are made in your brain. This is a last resort because it is painful, but these lesions target cells that control movement and pain and are used to treat movement disorders like tremors and dystonia (twitching, spasms)

65
Q

Somatosensory Cortex

A

Brain area that controls tactile(touch) sensation of entire body and incoming signals from body

66
Q

Refractory Period

A

A period of time during which a cell is incapable of repeating an action potential

67
Q

Dual Processing

A

Deals with the brain’s ability to simultaneously process incoming stimuli and information in various brain regions.

For example → Vision is our brain putting together color, motion, shape, and depth, which combines these separate pieces into one whole image which you “see” and unconsciously compare to stored memories to help in the identification of the image.

68
Q

What happens if a blocked artery in the brain bursts?

A

If the artery bursts, we call this a cerebral aneurysm.

69
Q

Norepinephrine

A
  • Helps control alertness and arousal; close connections with adrenaline response
  • Undersupply can depress mood; too much leads to anxiety
70
Q

Sympathetic Nervous System

A

Deals with emotions(lower brain region)
Fight or flight response system to environmental stressors; uses energy and increases blood pressure and heartbeat. You are not rational or reasonable in this state of mind.

71
Q

Take me through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system using the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis
slide in the PowerPoint as well as the hormone feedback system in your notes. Include the adrenal glands, adrenaline and
cortisol (hormones), the pituitary gland, as well as the role of the hypothalamus in the brain to initiate this change in the
body-mind.

A

The hypothalamus recognizes an environmental stressor through high norepinephrine levels. Then, it tells your pituitary gland to tell your adrenal gland to release adrenaline and cortisol into the blood. Then, once you reach enough your hypothalamus tells your pituitary to tell your adrenal gland that it can slow down.

72
Q

Myelination

A

Tissues thicken over time when you repeat it a lot for more efficient processing so that things you do all the time can be done faster.

73
Q

Autonomic Nervous System

A

Part of the PNS that regulates muscles and glands of
internal organs (mostly involuntary(unconscious and reflex) action), divided into Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System

74
Q

Using the scenario of learning to play the violin, explain how brain plasticity operates in the
brain by including these terms: Dendrite Branching and Neural Networking Formation (mention neural activation/electrical
firing from practice sessions), Neurogenesis, Myelination, Somatosensory Cortex (incoming signals from body), Motor
Cortex (outgoing signals to body), Temporal Lobe (auditory area). As you write, be sure to make the point of how plasticity
makes movements faster and more coordinated, brain activity more energy efficient, etc. Start by defining neuroplasticity.
Use complete sentences – please underline all terms (5 points)

A

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to rewire itself throughout our lives based on experiences. When someone starts learning the violin, the brain goes through dendrite branching because of the repeated practice, which means dendrites are making new connections between neurons and a neural network is forming. As practice continues, neural activation through electrical firing becomes more efficient and neurogenesis occurs, which means new neurons are formed to help you play the violin better. Then, myelination would occur and the fatty tissue would thicken to speed up your movements because you are more experienced and used to playing the violin. The somatosensory cortex would make your fingers more sensitive and used to the strings of the violin, while the motor cortex makes your hand movements quicker and more precise. Lastly, your temporal lobe would help your hearing be more sensitive and to understand if you were offkey. Consistent practice makes movements faster and more coordinated/energy-efficient brain activity.

75
Q

Adrenal glands

A

Sit atop kidneys and secrete hormones that arouse the body, like adrenaline

76
Q

Sensory Neurons

A

Carry incoming information to the CNS; think of them as signals that deal with touch sensation of entire body

77
Q

Explain the gut-brain axis of the enteric nervous system: How does the gut impact the brain? How does the brain impact the
gut?

A

Gut biome is negatively affected under high levels
of chronic stress and extreme emotional states. The gut impacts the brain’s neurotransmitters, mood, etc. The brain influences the gut’s motility, secretion, etc.

78
Q

How much of the body’s energy and oxygen is used by the brain?

A

Approximately 20-25 % of the body’s energy (calories) and oxygen

79
Q

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A

Records the ELECTRICAL waves of the brain. It tells us how active the brain becomes in certain areas; not as detailed as an fMRI

AP Psych (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions