Unit 2 Ap Psychology Vocab

Mastering the AP Psychology Unit 2 Vocabulary: A Comprehensive Guide

Unit 2 of AP Psychology delves into the fascinating world of biological bases of behavior. Understanding this unit requires mastering a significant vocabulary list, which can feel daunting. This comprehensive guide breaks down key terms, providing clear definitions, real-world examples, and connections to broader psychological concepts. By the end, you'll not only memorize these terms but also grasp their significance in understanding how our biology influences our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This guide covers everything you need to ace your AP Psychology Unit 2 exam.

Introduction: The Biological Roots of Behavior

This unit explores the intricate relationship between the brain, nervous system, and behavior. Understanding the biological underpinnings of psychology is crucial for comprehending various psychological phenomena, from simple reflexes to complex emotions. Mastering the vocabulary is the first step in unlocking this understanding. We'll cover key concepts related to neurotransmission, the endocrine system, genetics, and the structure and function of the brain. Let's dive into the specific terms.

Key Vocabulary Terms and Concepts:

1. Neuron: The fundamental unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. Think of neurons as tiny messengers carrying electrical and chemical signals. They have three main components: * Dendrites: Branch-like structures receiving signals from other neurons. * Soma (cell body): Contains the neuron's nucleus and other organelles. * Axon: A long, slender projection that transmits signals to other neurons or muscles.

2. Myelin Sheath: A fatty substance insulating the axon, speeding up the transmission of nerve impulses. Think of it like the insulation on an electrical wire. Damage to the myelin sheath, as seen in multiple sclerosis, can significantly impair nerve conduction.

3. Action Potential: A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon, transmitting information. It's an all-or-none phenomenon; it either occurs fully or not at all. The strength of the signal is determined by the frequency of action potentials, not their amplitude.

4. Synapse: The tiny gap between two neurons where communication occurs. Neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, allowing signals to be transmitted from one neuron to the next.

5. Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse. Different neurotransmitters have different effects, influencing various aspects of behavior and emotion. Examples include: * Acetylcholine (ACh): Important for muscle action, memory, and learning. A deficiency is linked to Alzheimer's disease. * Dopamine: Involved in mood, reward, and movement. Excess dopamine is linked to schizophrenia, while a deficiency is linked to Parkinson's disease. * Serotonin: Influences mood, sleep, and appetite. Low levels are associated with depression. * Norepinephrine: Involved in alertness and arousal. Plays a role in the "fight-or-flight" response. * GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, slowing down neural activity. * Glutamate: The primary excitatory neurotransmitter, increasing neural activity.

6. Endorphins: Natural pain relievers produced by the brain. They have mood-boosting effects and contribute to feelings of well-being. Runners often experience an "endorphin rush" after a run.

7. Agonist: A molecule that increases a neurotransmitter's action. It can mimic the neurotransmitter or block its reuptake, prolonging its effects.

8. Antagonist: A molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitter's action. It can block the receptor sites, preventing the neurotransmitter from binding.

9. Nervous System: The body's complex communication network, consisting of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

10. Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord. It's the body's primary processing center.

11. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Connects the CNS to the rest of the body. It has two main subdivisions: * Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. * Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It further divides into: * Sympathetic Nervous System: Arouses the body in stressful situations ("fight-or-flight"). * Parasympathetic Nervous System: Calms the body and conserves energy ("rest-and-digest").

12. Endocrine System: A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

13. Hormones: Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands. They travel through the bloodstream and influence target cells throughout the body. Examples include: * Epinephrine (adrenaline): A stress hormone involved in the "fight-or-flight" response. * Norepinephrine: Also functions as a neurotransmitter, playing a role in alertness and arousal. * Oxytocin: Often called the "love hormone," associated with bonding and social behavior.

14. Pituitary Gland: The "master gland" of the endocrine system, controlling the release of hormones from other glands.

15. Adrenal Glands: Produce stress hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine.

16. Thyroid Gland: Regulates metabolism.

17. Lesion: Damage to brain tissue, often caused by injury or disease. Studying lesions helps researchers understand the function of different brain areas.

18. EEG (Electroencephalograph): A technique used to record brainwave activity. It's helpful in diagnosing sleep disorders and epilepsy.

19. MEG (Magnetoencephalography): A brain imaging technique measuring magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain. It offers better spatial resolution than EEG.

20. CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A brain imaging technique using X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain.

21. PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: A brain imaging technique measuring brain activity by detecting radioactive glucose consumption.

22. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A brain imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of brain structures.

23. fMRI (functional MRI): A brain imaging technique measuring brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. It provides both structural and functional information.

24. Brainstem: The oldest part of the brain, controlling basic life functions like breathing and heart rate. It includes: * Medulla: Controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. * Pons: Involved in sleep, dreaming, and respiration. * Reticular Formation: A network of neurons controlling arousal and attention.

25. Thalamus: The brain's sensory relay station, receiving and transmitting sensory information to the cortex.

26. Cerebellum: Coordinates movement, balance, and posture. Damage to the cerebellum can cause problems with coordination and balance.

27. Limbic System: A group of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation, and memory. It includes: * Amygdala: Processes emotions, particularly fear and aggression. * Hypothalamus: Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior. It also links the nervous and endocrine systems. * Hippocampus: Plays a crucial role in forming new memories.

28. Cerebral Cortex: The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions like thinking, planning, and language. It's divided into four lobes: * Frontal Lobe: Involved in planning, decision-making, and voluntary movement. * Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information from the body, including touch, temperature, and pain. * Temporal Lobe: Involved in auditory processing, memory, and language comprehension. * Occipital Lobe: Processes visual information.

29. Corpus Callosum: A band of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them.

30. Split Brain: A condition resulting from surgery that severs the corpus callosum, separating the two hemispheres. Studies of split-brain patients have revealed the specialized functions of each hemisphere.

31. Heritability: The proportion of variation in a trait attributable to genetic factors. It's important to remember that heritability refers to population variation, not the extent to which a specific individual's traits are determined by genes.

32. Genes: Units of heredity that determine traits. Genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes.

33. Chromosomes: Thread-like structures containing genes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent.

34. Genome: The complete set of an organism's genes.

35. Molecular Genetics: The study of the structure and function of genes at the molecular level.

Understanding the Interplay: Putting it All Together

The terms listed above aren't isolated concepts. They work together in a complex and dynamic system. For example, the endocrine system and nervous system interact constantly, with the hypothalamus acting as a bridge between the two. Neurotransmitters released in the synapse influence neural pathways, impacting behavior. Genetic predispositions can interact with environmental factors to shape individual characteristics and responses.

Understanding the relationship between these biological factors and behavior is key to understanding psychological processes.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

Q: How do I best memorize all these terms?

A: Flashcards are a classic and effective method. Try creating flashcards with the term on one side and the definition and example on the other. Active recall (testing yourself) is crucial for strengthening memory. Also, try relating the terms to real-world scenarios and creating connections between concepts.

Q: Are there any resources beyond this guide that can help me learn these terms?

A: Your textbook is a great starting point. Review your class notes and utilize any supplemental materials provided by your teacher. Online resources, like reputable psychology websites and videos, can also supplement your learning.

Q: What if I'm struggling with a particular concept?

A: Don't hesitate to ask your teacher or classmates for help. Review the relevant sections in your textbook and search for additional explanations online. Break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable parts.

Conclusion: Mastering Unit 2 and Beyond

Mastering the vocabulary of AP Psychology Unit 2 is crucial for success in the course. This guide provided a comprehensive overview of key terms, emphasizing their definitions, examples, and interconnections. Remember, understanding these terms is not simply about rote memorization; it's about grasping the intricate relationship between the biological processes of the brain and the complexities of human behavior. By understanding these foundational concepts, you’ll be well-equipped to delve deeper into the fascinating world of psychology. Good luck with your studies!