AP Psychology First part of Unit 1

• Neurotransmitters - Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synaptic gap between neurons, influencing various mental processes and behaviors. (Excitatory or Inhibitory)
• Neural Transmission- The process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals.
• Multiple Sclerosis-A chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers, disrupting neural communication and leading to motor and cognitive impairment.
• Reuptake - The process by which excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending neuron after transmitting a neural signal, helping regulate synaptic activity.
• Peripheral Nervous System -The part of neurons system that lies outside the brain and spinal cord connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the res of the body. Somatic and Autonomic nervous systems.
• Motor Neurons -Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.
• Sensory Neurons -Neurons that carry incoming information from the tissue and sensory receptors to the brain and spina cord.
• Central Nervous System -The brain and spinal cord.
• Sympathetic Nervous System -The division of the ANS that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy. "Fight or Flight"
• Refractory Period -A brief period after the neurons fires when it cannot fire again until it resets.
• Glial Cells or Glue Cells -Cells on the Nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons. May also play a role in learning, thinking, and memory.
• Autonomic Nervous System -Part of the PNS that controls the glands and muscles of the internal organs (heart, bowels, kidneys).
• Parasympathetic Nervous System -The division of the ANS that calms the body reserving its energy. Think "Rest and Digest"
• Resting Potential -The neuron is at rest with a negative interval charge (-70 mV).
• Somatic Nervous System -Part of the PNS that controls the body's skeletal muscles.
• Interneurons -Neurons that are in the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally, processing between input and output.
• Firing Threshold -The level of stimulation required to trigger on action potential. (-55 mV)
• Action Potential -A brief electrical charge that travels down its Axon, sending a message.
• Depolarization -The process by which neuron's internal charge becomes less negative due to the influx positively charged sodium ions. (Na+)
• All or None Response -Once a neuron reaches the threshold, it either fires completely or not at all. The strength of the impulse does not vary.
• Antagonists -Chemical that block or inhibit the action of a neurotransmitter by occupying its receptor sites or preventing its release.
• Agonists -Chemicals that mimic or enhance the action of a neurotransmitter, increasing its effects by binding to receptors or promoting neurotransmitter release.
• Myasthenia Gravis -A disorder where ACh transmission is disrupted.
• Psychoactive Drugs -Chemical substance that alter perceptions, mood, and behaviors by affecting the brain's neurotransmitter system.
• Hallucinogens -Drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory experiences in the absence of external stimuli, often causing altered states if consciousness.
• Stimulants -Drugs that increase neural activity and speed up bodily functions, leading to heightens energy, alertness, and euphoria.
• Depressants -Substance that reduce neural activity and slow body functions, including relation and impairing judgement and motor skills.
• Opioids -Highly addictive drugs that reduce pains and induce feelings of eucryphia by acting on the brain's opioid receptors.
• Withdrawal Symptoms -Physical and Psychological effects that occur when a person stops taking a dry they are dependent on, typically causing discomfort or distress.
• Addiction/Dependence -A compulsive craving for substance despite harmful consequences, often accompanies by physical or psychological reliance on the drug.
• Twin Studies -Studies conducted on identical or fraternal twins. they aim to reveal the importance of environmental and genetic influences.
• Identical Twins -Fertilized egg splits into two
• Natural Selection -The process by which organisms develop through survival of the fittest
• Environment (Nurture) -External factors such as upbringing, family, and education
• Heredity (Nature) -Genetic characteristics that influence traits and behavior
• Neural Transmission -The process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals