Special Senses

These flashcards cover the key concepts and vocabulary related to the special senses as discussed in the lecture.

Olfaction

The chemical sense responsible for the detection of smells, involving specialized receptors in the olfactory epithelium.

Olfactory Epithelium

A specialized tissue in the nasal cavity containing up to 100 million olfactory receptor cells that detect odor molecules.

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina (rods and cones) that detect light and facilitate vision.

Umami

One of the five primary tastes, associated with a savory flavor, typically produced by glutamate or similar amino acids.

Taste Buds

Sensory organs located on the tongue that contain receptor cells for taste sensations.

Static Equilibrium

Maintenance of the body’s position relative to the force of gravity; helps to keep balance when the head is not moving.

Dynamic Equilibrium

Maintenance of the body’s position in response to sudden movements; important for balance during motion.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors responsible for detecting harmful stimuli and signaling pain.

Thermoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to changes in temperature.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural impulses.