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AP Psychology > Unit 3 > Flashcards

Unit 3 Flashcards

1
Q

Label each point of the diagram:

A

A. Dendrite

B. Soma (cell body)

C. Nucleus

D. Axon terminal

E. Myelin Sheath

F. Axon

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2
Q

What is a neuron?

A

Basic building block of the nervous system

-(Neurons are needed for thoughts, actions, memories, mood)

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3
Q

Each neuron consists of a _______ with branching fibers

A

cell body

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4
Q

What are dendrite fibers?

A

Bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses towards the cell body

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5
Q

What is the function of axon fibers?

A
  • Neuron extensions that pass messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands
  • (dendrites listen, axons speak)
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6
Q

What is a myelin sheath?

A

Fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neurons; enables vastly greater transmission in speed as neural impulses hop from one sausage-like node to the next

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7
Q

What can happen without a myelin sheath?

A

Multiple sclerosis, because communication to muscles slows with eventual loss to muscle control

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8
Q

What is action potential?

A

Brief electrical charge that travels down its axon

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9
Q

What are the different types of neurons?

A

Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons

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10
Q

What are sensory neurons?

A

carry information from the body’s tissues and organs to the central nervous system

-Gets information from around the body (senses)

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11
Q

What are motor neurons?

A

carry instructions from the central nervous system to the body’s organs and tissues

-Impulses from the brain are sent to muscles or glands.

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12
Q

What are interneurons?

A

Found in the brain and spinal cord; Link the sensory and motor neurons. They do the additional processing of information needed to make sense of the events occurring within your body and outside the environment

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13
Q

What is the resting potential?

A

When the internal charge of the cell returns back to -70mv

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14
Q

What is the refractory period?

A

period of inactivity after a neuron has fired; neuron pumps the positively charged sodium ions back outside. Then it can fire again

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15
Q

What is the threshhold?

A

Level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

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16
Q

What is the synapse?

A

Junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron. Tiny gap at the junction is the synaptic gap

-Synaptic gap is where the neurotransmitters are passed over

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17
Q

What are neurotransmitters?

A

Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between the neurons. When released by the sending neuron, neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, thereby influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse

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18
Q

Reuptake definition:

A

Sending neuron reabsorbs the excess neurotransmitters

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19
Q

What are endorphins?

A

Natural, opiate like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure

-Ex: Exercize releases endorphins

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20
Q

What is an agonist vs antagonist?

A

Agonist: Molecule that, by binding to a receptor site, stimulates a response

-Ex: Drugs and other chemicals affect brain chemistry by exciting or causing neurons to fire.

Antagonist: Molecule that, by binding to a receptor site, inhibits or blocks a response

–Ex: The poison Botulin causes paralysis by blocking the release of ACh

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21
Q

What is the nervous system?

A

Body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems

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22
Q

What is the central nervous system (CNS)?

A

The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system (CNS), which is the body’s decision maker

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23
Q

What is the peripheral nervous (PNS)?

A

Sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body (gathers information and transmits CNS decisions to other body parts)

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24
Q

What are nerves?

A

Bundles axons that form neural cables connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs

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25
Information travels through the central nervous system through which three types of neurons?
Sensory, motor, interneurons
26
What are the two parts of the peripheral nervous system and what are their functions?
Somatic and autonomic Somatic nervous system: Division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles. Also called the skeletal nervous system. Ex: If the bell rings to signal the end of class, the somatic nervous system reports to the brain the current state of your skeletal muscles and carries instructions back, triggering your body to rise from your seat Autonomic nervous system: The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (ex; heart). Its sympathetic division arouses, its parasympathetic division calms. Autonomic nervous system influences functions like heartbeat, digestion, etc
27
What is a reflex?
Simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response
28
What is the endocrine system?
The body’s slow chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream
29
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues
30
What are the adrenal glands?
Pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones that help arouse the body in times of stress
31
What is the pituitary gland?
a pea-sized structure located in the core of the brain, where it is controlled by an adjacent brain area
32
What are the 4 different neurotransmitters?
- Acetylcholine (ACH) - Dopamine - Serotonin - Endorphins
33
What is Acetylcholine (ACH)?
- Deals with motor movement and memory - Too much of it can lead to hyperactive behaviors - Too little and it will lead to sluggish feelings
34
What is Dopamine?
- Deals with motor movement and alertness - Lack of dopamine has been linked to Parkinson’s disease (when you shake uncontrollably) - Too much of it has been linked to schizophrenia (too much dopamine) - Inability to focus, or ability to filter out information - Disorganized thoughts, speech patterns
35
36
What is Serotonin?
- Involved in mood control - Lack of serotonin has been linked to clinical depression - Too much serotonin can lead to elevated mood - (manic state, sense that the person can do anything, they will participate in destructive abilities because they believe they are invincible.
37
What are endorphins?
Involved in pain control Natural morphine in the body (pain killer) Many of the most addictive drugs deal with endorphins There are incredibly high rates of opioid addiction throughout the country
38
Describe THE ENTIRE process of neural communication: Chemical messengers called 1.\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ enter receptor sites on the 2. ____________ and cell body. This causes the axons membrane to open up and 3. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_to flow in. When there is enough of a positive charge, the neuron reaches 4. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_(-55mV), and this sends the cell into 5. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Gates on the axon open up and 6. ___________ flow in while 7. ____________ flow out. This exchange of 8. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and 9\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_happens down the length of the 10. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. When the signal reaches the 11.\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_at the end of the axon, 12. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_flow out into the empty space called the 13. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. In order for the cell to be able to fire once again it goes into a 14. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_in which 15. ____________ activate pumping 16. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ out of the cell and 17. ____________ back into the cell. Once the internal charge of the cell is back to -70mV the cell is said to back in 18. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Chemical messengers called 1. NEUROTRANSMITTERS enter receptor sites on the 2. DENDRITES and cell body. This causes the axons membrane to open up and 3. SODIUM IONS (Na+) to flow in. When there is enough of a positive charge, the neuron reaches 4. THRESHOLD (-55mV), and this sends the cell into 5. ACTION POTENTIAL. Gates on the axon open up and 6. SODIUM IONS (Na+) flow in while 7. POTASSIUM IONS (K+) flow out. This exchange of 8. SODIUM IONS (Na+) and 9. POTASSIUM IONS (K+) happens down the length of the 10. AXON. When the signal reaches the 11. TERMINAL BRANCHES at the end of the axon,12. NEUROTRANSMITTERS flow out into the empty space called the 13. SYNAPSE . In order for the cell to be able to fire once again it goes into a 14. REFACTORY PERIOD in which 15. SODIUM/POTASSIUM PUMPS activate pumping 16. SODIUM IONS (Na+) out of the cell and 17. POTASSIUM IONS (K+) back into the cell. Once the internal charge of the cell is back to -70mV the cell is said to back in 18. RESTING POTENTIAL.
39
Define Biological psychology:
Scientific study of the links between biological and psychological processes.
40
What is the somatic nervous system?
Division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles. Also called the skeletal nervous system.
41
What is the autonomic nervous system?
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (ex; heart). Its sympathetic division arouses, its parasympathetic division calms. -MADE up of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
42
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
Division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations -(accelerate your heartbeat, raise blood pressure)
43
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
Division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body; conserving its energy (Decreases heart rate nand lowers blood sugar)
44
What is a reflex?
Simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response
45
What is the endocrine system?
The body’s slow chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream -Endocrine messages, however slower, tend to outlast the effects of neural messages
46
What are hormones?
Chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues
47
What is the adrenal gland?
Pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones that help arouse the body in times of stress
48
What is the pituitary gland?
Most influential endocrine gland is the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure located in the core of the brain, where it is controlled by an adjacent brain area (stimulates physical development)
49
What is a lesion?
Tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue --Scientists can selectively lesion brain cells while leaving the other tissue unharmed.
50
What is electroencephalogram?
Amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp. -used to diagnose conditions such as epilepsy, seizures, dizziness, etc.
51
What is a CT Scan?
-Examines the brain by taking x-ray photographs that can reveal brain damage.
52
What is an MRI?
Technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy -Differs from CT scan because it doesn't use radiation
53
What is an fMRI?
Can reveal brain’s functioning as well as its structure. Reveals blood flow and therefore brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. -Same technology based off of MRI, except it looks at blood flow to detect specific areas of activity
54
What is the brainstem?
Oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions --Control flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body
55
What is the medulla?
Place where the spinal cord swells slightly after entering the skull ;Base of the brainstem; Controls heartbeat and breathing.
56
What is reticular formation?
Inside brainstem between ears; a nerve network that travels through the brainstem and thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal
57
What is the thalamus?
Pair of egg-shaped structure atop the brainstem that act as the brain’s sensory control center
58
What is the cerebellum?
Rear of the brainstem; Functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory
59
What is the limbic system?
## Footnote Between the oldest and newest brain areas; Neural system located below cerebral hemispheres, associated with emotions and drives (includes hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus)
60
WHat is the amygdala?
Two lima bean-sized neural clusters; Linked to aggression and fear (emotions)
61
What is the cerebral cortex?
Intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center -Higher brain functions like thought and action
62
What are the glial cells?
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish and protect neurons; they may also play a role in learning and thinking
63
What is the frontal lobe?
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead, involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgements
64
What is the parietal lobe?
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear, receives sensory input for touch and body position
65
What is the occipital lobe?
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes the areas that receive information from the visual fields ( Deals with vision) -Made up of visual cortex ( Interprets messages from out eyes into images we can understand )
66
WHat is the temporal lobe?
Portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears, -Interpret and process the sound sensed by our ears. Left ear is interpreted in left side, right ear is interpreted in the right side Made up of: - Auditory cortex: This sound is interpreted in the auditory cortex - Wernicke's area: Interprets written and spoken speech.
67
What is the motor cortex?
- Area at rear of frontal lobes - Sends signals to our body controlling muscle movements. Communicated along the somatic nervous system.
68
What is the sensory cortex?
Found within the Parietal Lobe -Receives incoming touch sensations from rest of the body (most of the parietal lobes are made up of association areas)
69
What are association areas?
## Footnote Found within the Parietal Lobe -Any area not associated with receiving information or coordinating muscle movements
70
What is Broca's area?
Areas responsible for controlling muscles that produce speech (Damage to broca's area is called broca's aphasia, depletes speech ability partially or totally.
71
What is Wernicke's area?
Interprets written and spoken speech.
72
What is plasticity?
Brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience (ability to modify itself after damage)
73
What is neurogenesis?
Formation of new neurons (when the brain attempts to self-repair itself by producing new brain cells)
74
What is the corpus collosum?
The large band of neural/axon fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them
75
What is conciousness?
## Footnote State of being aware of your surroundings
76
What is cognitive neuroscience?
Interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (perception, thinking, memory, language)
77
What is dual processing?
The principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks.
78
What is behavior genetics?
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
79
What is environment?
Every external influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
80
What are chromosomes?
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain genes.
81
What is DNA?
(deoxyribonucleic acid) A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.
82
What are genes?
Biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins.
83
What is a genome?
Complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetc material in that organism’s chromosomes.
84
What are identical twins?
Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.
85
What are fraternal twins?
Twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters but they share a fetal environment.
86
What is heretibility?
## Footnote Extent to which variation among members of a group can be attributed to genes
87
What is interaction?
The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)
88
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AP Psychology (6 decks)

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