1.3.B—Explain how the basic process of neural transmission is related to behavior and mental processes

Explain how the basic process of neural transmission is related to behavior and mental processes.

• The process of neural transmission most commonly occurs in an orderly, systematic way and involves the all-or-none principle, depolarization, refractory period, resting potential, reuptake, and threshold. Disruptions to this process could lead to disorders such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis.
  • Exclusion: The sodiumpotassium pump is outside the scope of the AP Psychology Exam.
• Each neurotransmitter has specific function(s) related to behavior and mental processes, which may depend on the neurotransmitter’s location in the nervous system. Neurotransmitters generally communicate either excitatory (making an action potential more likely) or inhibitory (making an action potential less likely) messages. Neurotransmitters related to behavior and mental processes for study in AP Psychology are limited to dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate, GABA, endorphins, substance p, and acetylcholine.
  • Exclusion: The AP Psychology Exam will only address the listed neurotransmitters in EK
• Outside of the nervous system, hormones perform actions similar to neurotransmitters. Hormones related to behavior and mental processes for study in AP Psychology are limited to adrenaline, leptin, ghrelin, melatonin, and oxytocin.
  • Exclusion: The AP Psychology Exam will only address the listed hormones in EK Specific information about the glands of the endocrine system (with the exception of the pituitary gland as referenced in EK