AP Psychology Flashcards: The Neuron and Neural Firing
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 31 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a reuptake inhibitor?
A reuptake inhibitor is a type of psychoactive drug that blocks the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, leaving more of them in the synapse to affect the next neuron.
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What is a reuptake inhibitor?
A reuptake inhibitor is a type of psychoactive drug that blocks the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, leaving more of them in the synapse to affect the next neuron.
If a drug binds to a receptor site and prevents the natural neurotransmitter from acting, thus discouraging firing, what is it called?
This type of drug is called an antagonist because it blocks the action of a neurotransmitter.
How is the basic process of neural transmission related to our psychology?
The basic process of neural transmission is related to our behavior and mental processes, as it is the fundamental way information is communicated in the nervous system.
What is the typical effect of opioids?
Opioids, such as heroin, typically act as pain relievers.
What is the typical effect of hallucinogens?
Hallucinogens, such as marijuana, typically cause distortions in perception or cognition.
What is tolerance in the context of psychoactive drug use?
Tolerance is a potential result of psychoactive drug use where a person requires larger doses of the drug to achieve the same effect.
What is an agonist?
An agonist is a type of psychoactive drug that mimics a neurotransmitter or blocks its reuptake, encouraging the postsynaptic neuron to fire.
A patient is given a drug to manage severe pain after surgery. Which category of psychoactive drug is most appropriate for this purpose?
An opioid would be most appropriate, as these drugs typically act as pain relievers.
What is addiction in the context of psychoactive drug use?
Addiction is a potential result of psychoactive drug use characterized by a compulsive craving for and use of a substance despite adverse consequences.
A specific drug prevents neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron, increasing their effect. What type of drug is this?
This drug is a reuptake inhibitor, as it works by blocking the reabsorption of neurotransmitters.
What does the reflex arc in the spinal cord demonstrate?
The reflex arc demonstrates how sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons work together to respond to stimuli without input from the brain.
What are glial cells?
Glial cells are a basis of the nervous system that provide support for neurons.
What are the two general types of effects caused by psychoactive drugs?
Psychoactive drugs have both psychological effects, which alter mental processes, and physiological effects, which alter bodily functions.
What three types of neurons work together in a reflex arc?
Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons work together in a reflex arc.
A person consumes a substance that makes them feel more alert and energetic by speeding up their central nervous system. Which category of psychoactive drug did they likely take?
They likely took a stimulant, as these drugs typically increase neural activity.
What is depolarization?
Depolarization is the process during which the inside of the neuron becomes more positive, leading to the firing of an action potential once the threshold is reached.
What are withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and psychological distress that follows the discontinuation of an addictive drug.
How do psychoactive drugs affect behavior and mental processes?
Psychoactive drugs affect behavior and mental processes by acting as agonists, antagonists, or reuptake inhibitors, which alters normal neural transmission.
What is the typical effect of depressants on neural activity?
Depressants, such as alcohol, typically decrease neural activity.
What is the typical effect of stimulants on neural activity?
Stimulants, such as caffeine and cocaine, typically increase neural activity.
What is an antagonist?
An antagonist is a type of psychoactive drug that blocks a neurotransmitter's receptor site, discouraging the postsynaptic neuron from firing.
What is resting potential?
Resting potential is the state of a neuron before it receives a signal, when it is polarized and ready to fire.
How do the structures and functions of neurons affect us?
The structures and functions of neurons in the central nervous system affect our behavior and mental processes by transmitting information throughout the body.
What is the refractory period?
The refractory period is a brief period after a neuron has fired during which it cannot fire again, as it returns to its resting potential.
What are the two types of messages that neurotransmitters can communicate?
Neurotransmitters can communicate either excitatory messages, which encourage firing, or inhibitory messages, which discourage firing.
What is the all-or-nothing principle?
The all-or-nothing principle states that a neuron's reaction is to either fire at full strength or not fire at all; there is no partial firing.
What is the threshold in neural firing?
The threshold is the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse or action potential.
How are hormones similar to neurotransmitters?
Hormones perform actions similar to neurotransmitters, but they do so outside of the nervous system, typically traveling through the bloodstream.
What are neurons?
Neurons are the cells that form the basis of the nervous system and are responsible for transmitting information.
What is reuptake?
Reuptake is the process by which excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending neuron after they have transmitted their message.
What are three potential consequences of psychoactive drug use?
Three potential consequences of psychoactive drug use are the development of tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.