Psychology Flashcards

Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) to regulate mood?

Answer: Serotonin

SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse — the mechanism directly names the neurotransmitter targeted.

The gate-control theory of pain proposes that pain signals can be inhibited by:

Answer: Activation of large-diameter nerve fibers

Large-diameter fiber activity closes the 'gate' in the spinal cord, blocking transmission of pain signals to the brain — which is why rubbing an injury reduces pain.

REM sleep is best characterized by:

Answer: Vivid dreaming and temporary muscle atonia

REM sleep features vivid dreaming and muscle atonia (paralysis) that prevents the sleeper from acting out dreams.

Neuroplasticity refers to:

Answer: The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life

Neuroplasticity is the brain's lifelong capacity to change structurally and functionally in response to experience, learning, or injury.

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response?

Answer: Sympathetic nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system activates fight-or-flight, increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood to muscles during perceived threats.

The all-or-none principle of neural firing states that:

Answer: A neuron fires at full intensity once threshold is reached, or does not fire at all

Once a stimulus exceeds the threshold, a neuron fires at full intensity — there is no partial action potential, hence 'all-or-none.'

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

Answer: Occipital lobe

The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, contains the primary visual cortex and is the main area for processing visual information.