Subjects

AP Psychology

Biological bases of behavior

The brain and its structures/functions

Brain hemispheres and brain lateralization

AP Psych Unit 2 Notes - Biological Bases of Behavior + Answer Key, PDF, Quizlet & More

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AP Psych Unit 2 Notes - Biological Bases of Behavior + Answer Key, PDF, Quizlet & More

naana b.

@naanabaffour

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AP Psychology Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior provides a comprehensive overview of neural communication, neurotransmitters, and the nervous and endocrine systems. This unit explores the fundamental biological processes underlying human behavior and cognition.

Key points:
• Detailed explanation of neural structure and function
• In-depth coverage of neurotransmitters and their roles
• Overview of the central and peripheral nervous systems
• Introduction to the endocrine system and hormones

This summary serves as an essential study guide for students preparing for the AP Psychology biological bases of behavior test.

4/30/2023

363

Unit 3 - Biological Bases of Behavior (U2)
Module 9:
: Biological Psychology and Neurotransmittion
Neural Communication
generate electricity

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Neural Communication and Neurotransmitters

This page introduces the fundamental concepts of neural communication and neurotransmitters in AP Psychology. It describes the structure of neurons, including dendrites, nucleus, axon, myelin sheath, and terminal axon branches. The process of neural firing is explained, highlighting the role of action potentials and synapses in transmitting information between neurons.

Vocabulary: Action potential - An electrical charge that travels down an axon, also known as the firing threshold.

Definition: Synapse - The space between the sending neuron and the dendrite of the receiving neuron.

The page also covers the concept of impulse cycles, explaining how ions move in and out of neurons to create electrical charges. Important processes such as resting potential, permeability, all-or-none firing, and refractory periods are discussed.

Highlight: The all-or-none principle states that neurons fire with full intensity or not at all, which is crucial for understanding neural communication in AP Psychology.

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Neurotransmitters

This page delves deeper into the role of neurotransmitters in neural communication psychology. It defines neurotransmitters as chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap between neurons, influencing whether the receiving neuron will generate a neural impulse. The page distinguishes between excitatory neurotransmitters, which stimulate firing, and inhibitory neurotransmitters, which slow down or stop firing.

Example: Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter that enables muscle action, learning, and memory. In Alzheimer's disease, ACh-producing neurons deteriorate.

The page provides a comprehensive table of major neurotransmitters, their functions, and associated malfunctions. This information is crucial for students studying AP Psych neurotransmitters and preparing for related quizzes and tests.

Vocabulary: Agonist - A molecule that binds to a receptor site, stimulating a response. Vocabulary: Antagonist - A molecule that binds to a receptor site, inhibiting or blocking a response.

The page concludes with explanations of reuptake inhibitors and their role in treating conditions like depression and anxiety.

Example: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants that block the reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its availability in the brain.

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The Nervous and Endocrine Systems

This page provides an overview of the nervous and endocrine systems, which are crucial components of the biological bases of behavior in psychology. The nervous system is described as the body's speedy, electrochemical communication network, comprising all nerve cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Definition: Central Nervous System (CNS) - Consists of the brain and spinal cord, controlling movements, creating thoughts, forming emotions, producing behaviors, and transmitting messages to muscles and glands.

The page outlines the divisions of the nervous system, including the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is further divided into somatic and autonomic systems.

Highlight: The autonomic nervous system is involuntary and consists of the sympathetic system (which mobilizes energy during stress) and the parasympathetic system (which calms the body and conserves energy).

The role of the spinal cord as a two-way information pathway is explained, along with its function in governing reflexes. The concept of neural networks within the brain is introduced.

Example: The knee-jerk response and pain reflex (such as quickly withdrawing your hand from a flame) are examples of simple automatic responses governed by the spinal cord.

The page concludes with an introduction to the endocrine system, describing it as the body's "slow" chemical communication system. This system consists of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, acting as chemical messengers.

This comprehensive overview of the nervous and endocrine systems is essential for students studying AP Psychology Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior and preparing for related exams and quizzes.

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Subjects

AP Psychology

Biological bases of behavior

The brain and its structures/functions

Brain hemispheres and brain lateralization

AP Psych Unit 2 Notes - Biological Bases of Behavior + Answer Key, PDF, Quizlet & More

naana b.

@naanabaffour

8 Followers

This summary serves as an essential study guide for students preparing for the AP Psychology biological bases of behavior test.

4/30/2023

363

AP Psychology

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Neural Communication and Neurotransmitters

Vocabulary: Action potential - An electrical charge that travels down an axon, also known as the firing threshold.

Definition: Synapse - The space between the sending neuron and the dendrite of the receiving neuron.

Highlight: The all-or-none principle states that neurons fire with full intensity or not at all, which is crucial for understanding neural communication in AP Psychology.

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Neurotransmitters

Example: Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter that enables muscle action, learning, and memory. In Alzheimer's disease, ACh-producing neurons deteriorate.

Vocabulary: Agonist - A molecule that binds to a receptor site, stimulating a response. Vocabulary: Antagonist - A molecule that binds to a receptor site, inhibiting or blocking a response.

The page concludes with explanations of reuptake inhibitors and their role in treating conditions like depression and anxiety.

Example: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants that block the reabsorption of serotonin, increasing its availability in the brain.

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Definition: Central Nervous System (CNS) - Consists of the brain and spinal cord, controlling movements, creating thoughts, forming emotions, producing behaviors, and transmitting messages to muscles and glands.

Highlight: The autonomic nervous system is involuntary and consists of the sympathetic system (which mobilizes energy during stress) and the parasympathetic system (which calms the body and conserves energy).

The role of the spinal cord as a two-way information pathway is explained, along with its function in governing reflexes. The concept of neural networks within the brain is introduced.

Example: The knee-jerk response and pain reflex (such as quickly withdrawing your hand from a flame) are examples of simple automatic responses governed by the spinal cord.

This comprehensive overview of the nervous and endocrine systems is essential for students studying AP Psychology Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior and preparing for related exams and quizzes.