AP Psychology Unit 2 - Module 3 & 4 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is Biological Psychology?

A branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior.

What is a neuron?

A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.

What are dendrites?

The bushy, branching extensions of a neuron that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.

What is an axon?

The extension of a neuron, ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles or glands. Signup and view all the answers

What is a myelin sheath?

A layer of fatty tissue segmentally encasing the fibers of many neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is action potential?

A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold?

The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural reaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a synapse?

The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical messengers that traverse the synaptic gaps between neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is acetylcholine?

A neurotransmitter that, among its functions, triggers muscle contraction. Signup and view all the answers

What are endorphins?

"Morphine within" - natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nervous system?

The body's speedy, electrochemical communication system, consisting of all the nerve cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central nervous system (CNS)?

The brain and spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What are nerves?

Neural "cables" containing many axons. Signup and view all the answers

What are sensory neurons?

Neurons that carry incoming information from the sense receptors to the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What are motor neurons?

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the central nervous system to muscles and glands. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Psychology

Studies the connection between biological processes and behavior.
Useful for diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders through neuropsychology.

Neuron

Fundamental unit of the nervous system, functioning as a nerve cell.
Vital for cognitive processes, as absence results in a lack of mental function.

Dendrite

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals and conduct them to the cell body.
Essential for transmitting messages; without them, communication within the nervous system is compromised.

Axon

Long projection of a neuron that transmits messages to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Axons enable the continuation of neural communication; absence prevents message distribution.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty layer encasing neuron fibers, increasing the speed of neural impulses.
Degeneration leads to disorders like multiple sclerosis, impairing message transmission.

Action Potential

Brief electrical charge that travels down an axon, essential for neural communication.
Generated through ion movement across the axon membrane; without it, neural function ceases.

Threshold

Minimum level of stimulation required to trigger a neural response.
Involves ionic balance; insufficient levels inhibit action potential generation.

Synapse

Junction where neurotransmitters are released from one neuron to bind with another's receptors.
Comprises the synaptic gap; neurons do not physically touch, relying on chemical signaling.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
Different types carry varying functions; for example, endorphins are linked to pain relief.

Acetylcholine

A key neurotransmitter that initiates muscle contractions.
Critical for various bodily functions including movement and cognition.

Endorphins

Natural opiate-like neurotransmitters associated with pain regulation and pleasure.
Released during activities like exercise, contributing to feelings of euphoria (runner's high).

Nervous System

Complex communication network, utilizing electrical and chemical signals to manage bodily functions.
Comprises the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing and responding to information.
Does not perform physical actions; merely organizes and relays messages.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body via sensory and motor neurons.
While it carries out instructions from the CNS, it does not process information.

Nerves

Bundled axons that make up neural cables within the PNS.
Serve as conduits between CNS and body, facilitating stimuli responses.

Sensory Neurons

Responsible for transmitting incoming sensory information to the CNS.
Dysfunction can lead to sensory loss or numbness in the body.

Motor Neurons

Convey outgoing signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.
Play a crucial role in initiating movement and responding to commands from the CNS.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from AP Psychology Unit 2, Modules 3 and 4. Explore important topics like Biological Psychology and Neurons, which are foundational to understanding behavior and the nervous system.