Back to AI Flashcard MakerPsychology /AP Psychology Unit 3 Part 1
AP Psychology Unit 3 Part 1
This deck covers key concepts and terms from AP Psychology Unit 3, focusing on the structure and function of neurons, neurotransmitters, and the nervous system.
dendrites
input fibers that carry electrical signals into a neuron from connected cells.
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
dendrites
input fibers that carry electrical signals into a neuron from connected cells.
soma (cell body)
control center of neuron
integrates inputs from all dendrites
determines whether neuron should fire or not
axon
output fiber carries electrical signal from a neuron to a neighboring cell.
neurons have one each
larger than dendrites
divide into branches at end ca...
myelin sheath
a layer of fatty tissue that covers around the axon
enables greater transmission speed of neural impulses as impulses jump from node to node
composed ...
synapse
the junction between the axon tip and the dendrite of the receiving neuron.
called the synaptic gap or cleft as well
resting state
a neuron has a slightly negative charge
negative ions mostly inside cell, positive ones outside.
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
dendrites | input fibers that carry electrical signals into a neuron from connected cells. |
soma (cell body) | control center of neuron
integrates inputs from all dendrites
determines whether neuron should fire or not |
axon | output fiber carries electrical signal from a neuron to a neighboring cell.
neurons have one each
larger than dendrites
divide into branches at end called terminals |
myelin sheath | a layer of fatty tissue that covers around the axon
enables greater transmission speed of neural impulses as impulses jump from node to node
composed of glial cells (glove), support, nourish, protect neurons. |
synapse | the junction between the axon tip and the dendrite of the receiving neuron.
called the synaptic gap or cleft as well |
resting state | a neuron has a slightly negative charge
negative ions mostly inside cell, positive ones outside. |
level of excitation | level of stimulation needed for electrochemical communication to occur. |
action potential | brief charge that travels down the axon as it becomes depolarized.
travels down to terminal where it causes neuro transmitters that bind to specific receptor sites on receiving neurons to fire. |
refractory phase | return to state of resting slightly negative charge (polarization)
no amount of stimulation can cause the neurons to fire again in this stage.
absolute refractory phase is followed by relative refractory phase in which neuron needs more stimulation to fire again. |
excitatory neurotransmitter | excite the cell into firing |
inhibitory neurotransmitter | inhibit the nerve cell from firing |
serotonin | regulates mood, eating, sleeping, and arousal
prozac and ecstasy work by boosting its effects |
dopamine | regulates movement and posture
particularly in basal ganglia
lack= Parkinson's or catatonic
overabundance, associated with Tourrete's and schizophrenia |
acetylcholine | regulates cognitive functioning and memory
Alzheimer's associated with loss of it in neurons that connect with hippocampus
nicotine is an agonist (mimics it), thats why cigarettes boost arousal and concentration |
norepinephrine (noradrenalin) | regulates alertness and wakefulness
too much=mania, too little=depression
puts the body on "red alert" during stressful or exciting situations
coke and amphetamines boost levels |
gaba | (agamma amniobutyric acid)
inhibits the action of target cells
low levels: implicated in anxiety and epilepsy
alcohol and barbiturates raise levels |
endorphins | "morphine within"
natural opiate-like neurotransmitter linked to pain control and pleasure
exercise linked to raising endorphin level |
glutamate | most abundant excitatory n.t.
plays significant role in learning and memory |
afferent neurons (sensory neurons) | takes info from senses to brain |
interneuron | once info reaches brain, it takes message and sends it along |
efferent neurons (motor neurons) | takes instructions back to muscles |
Central Nervous System (CNS) | made up of two major components: brain and spine
receives, processes, interprets, and stores incoming sensory info.
sends out messages for muscles, glands, and internal organs. |
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) | consists of nerves/tissue outside brain and spinal cord
two categories: somatic and autonomic nervous systems. |
somatic | (skeletal)
consists of nerves that are connected to sensory receptors and to skeletal muscles that permit voluntary action
muscles, joints, skin
associated with all body movement |
autonomic | controls autonomic functions of the body
controls fight or flight response |
Autonomic: sympathetic | mobilizes body to respond to stress
accelerates some functions (heart, b.p.) but conserves resources (digestion slows) |
Autonomic: parasympathetic | responsible for slowing down body after stress response |
Wilder Penfield | stimulated brain with electrical probes while patients underwent surgery for epilepsy
created maps of sensory and motor cortices |
localization | major parts of brain perform different (though sometimes overlapping) tasks |
plasticity | in cases of injury certain structures can take on new tasks |