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AP Psychology Biological Basis Of Behaviors Pt 1 Myers
Covers Biological Basis Of Behavior vocabulary and graphs from the new AP Psychology textbook
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11th Grade
11/05/2024

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Term
Neuron
Definition
A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system
Term
cell body
Definition
the part of a neuron that contains the nucleus; the cell's life support center
Term
dendrites
Definition
a neuron's often bushy, branching extensions that receive and integrate messages, conducting impulses towards the cell body
Term
Axon
Definition
the segmented neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or other muscles or glands
Term
myelin sheath
Definition
a fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neurons; It enables vastly greater transmission speed as neural impulses hop from one node to the next
Term
glial cells (glia)
Definition
cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons. They may also play a role in thinking, learning, and memory.
Term
action potential
Definition
A neural impulse; A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon
Term
Threshold
Definition
The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.
Term
Refractory Period
Definition
in neural processing, a brief resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fired; subsequent action potentials cannot occur until the axon returns to it's resting state
Term
all-or-none response
Definition
a neuron's reaction of either firing (with a full strength response) or not firing.
Term
synapse
Definition
the junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron. The tiny gap at this junction is called the synaptic gap or synaptic cliff.
Term
neurotransmitters
Definition
Chemical messengers that cross the snyaptic gap between neurons. When released by the sending neuron, neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, thereby influencing wether that neuron will generate a neural impulse.
Term
reuptake
Definition
a neurotransmitter's reabsorption by a sending neuron
Term
Receptor sites
Definition
Where neurotransmitters bind on the receiving neuron
Term
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Definition
Neurotransmitter that enables muscle action, learning and memory. Ex of malfunction: With Alzheimer's disease, ACh producing neurons deteriorate.
Term
Dopamine
Definition
Neurotransmitter that influences movement , learning, attention, and emotion. Ex. of malfunction: Oversupply linked to schizophrenia. Undersupply linked to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson's disease
Term
Serotonin
Definition
Neurotransmitter that affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal. Ex. of Malfunction: Undersupply linked to depression.
Term
Norepinephrine
Definition
Neurotransmitter linked to controlling alertness + arousal. Ex. of malfunction: Undersupply can depress mood
Term
GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid)
Definition
Major inhibitory Neurotransmitter known for calming the body. Ex. of Malfunction: Undersupply linked to insomnia, tremors, and seizures
Term
Glutamine
Definition
A major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory. Ex. of Malfunction:Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, leading to migraines or seizures
Term
Endorphines
Definition
Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain and pleasure. Oversupply with opiate drugs can supress the body's natural supply
Term
Substance P
Definition
Involved in pain perception and memory. Ex. Of malfunction: Oversupply can lead to chronic pain.
Term
Agonist
Definition
A molecule that increases a neurotransmitter's action by either increasing production or release of neurotransmitters, or by blocking synaptic uptake, or even by mimicking the neurotransmitter and binding to it's receptor.
Term
Antagonist
Definition
A molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitter's action by blocking production or release, or by blocking the recptor site but not activating it
Term
Endocrine system
Definition
the body's "slow" chemical communication system: a set of glands and fat tissue that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
Term
hormones
Definition
chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream and affect other tissues
Term
Pituitary Gland
Definition
Most influential endocrine gland that controls growth hormones, sends messages to other parts of the endocrine system. Controlled itself by the hypothalumus.
Term
psychoactive drug
Definition
a chemical substance that alters the brain, causing changes in perception and mood.
Term
substance use disorder
Definition
a disorder characterized by the continued use of a substance despite resulting life disruption
Term
Depressants
Definition
Drugs such as alcohol, barbiturates(tranquilizers), and opioids that calm the nervous system
Term
Alcohol
Definition
A depressant and a disinhibitor that slows neural processing, disrupts memory, and reduces self-awareness,
Term
Barbiturates (Tranquilizers)
Definition
Depressant that is sometimes prescribed to induce sleep or reduce anxiety. In larger doses, can impair memory and judgement
Term
Opioids
Definition
Depress neural functioning, includes heroin, methadone, and narcotics. After repeated use, the brain stops producing it's own endorphins
Term
Stimulants
Definition
Drugs that excite neural activity and seed up body functions
Term
Nicotine
Definition
Highly addictive stimulant that over the short term calms anxiety, boosts mental efficiency, and reduces sensitivity to pain. Found in tobacco products
Term
Cocaine
Definition
powerfully addictive stimulant. Enters the bloodstream quickly and produces a rush of euphoria. Within the hour, the user crashes. Powerfully stimulates the brain's reward pathways.
Term
Methamphetamine
Definition
Triggers the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, stimulating brain cells that enhance energy and mod for around 8 hours. Overtime use reduces baseline dopamine levels in users
Term
Ecstasy
Definition
Stimulant and mild hallucinogen.
Term
LSD
Definition
Hallucinogen that causes a range of emotions that vary based on user's mood and expectations. Also causes intense visual and auditory hallucinations.
Term
Marijuana
Definition
Hallucinogen that relaxes and disinhibits while also amplifying senses and distorting time.
Term
Tolerance
Definition
When a user of a drug needs more and more to achieve the same effect
Term
Withdrawal
Definition
Unpleasant mental or physical symptoms when discontinuing a drug
Term
Addiction
Definition
psychological or physical dependance on a drug
Term
Biological influences
Definition
Looks at link between biological factors and the resulting behavior or mental process. Includes genetic predispositions, genetic mutations, natural selection's influence, and epigenetics
Term
Psychological Influences
Definition
Looks at link between psychological influences and the resulting behavior or mental process. Includes learned fears/responses, emotional responses, and cognitive processing and perceptual interpretations
Term
Social-Cultural Infleunces
Definition
Looks at link between social-cultural influences and the resulting behavior or mental process. Includes presence of others, cultural, societal, and family expectations, peer/group influences, and compelling models (Ex. The media)
Term
Biopsychosocial Approach to psychology
Definition
integrates three levels of analysis into one(biological, psychological, and socio-cultural)
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