Chapter 16 (Senses)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the senses based on lecture notes, aiding in the understanding of sensory structures and functions.

Sensory Receptors

Provide information about external and internal environments and respond to specific stimuli.

Receptive Field

The distribution area of the endings of a sensory neuron; smaller fields allow precise localization.

Stimulus Modality

The type of stimulus detected, such as light, sound, temperature, etc.

Action Potentials

Electrical signals conveyed to the CNS for interpretation of stimuli.

General Sense Receptors

Simple structures distributed throughout the body, including tactile receptors and proprioceptors.

Special Sense Receptors

Highly specialized receptors in complex sense organs for olfaction, gustation, vision, audition, and equilibrium.

Exteroceptors

Sensory receptors that detect stimuli from the external environment.

Interoceptors

Sensory receptors that detect stimuli from internal organs.

Proprioceptors

Sensory receptors that monitor body and limb movements.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that detect chemicals dissolved in fluids.

Photoreceptors

Receptors that detect changes in light intensity, color, and movement.

Mechanoreceptors

Receptors that detect distortion of cell membranes, such as touch and pressure.

Nociceptors

Receptors that detect painful stimuli, including somatic and visceral pains.

Tactile Cells

Specialized epithelial cells that respond to light touch.

Olfaction

The sense of smell; the detection of odorants dissolved in the air.

Gustation

The sense of taste; the detection of tastants by gustatory cells.

Lacrimal Apparatus

The system that produces, collects, and drains lacrimal fluid (tears).

Aqueous Humor

Transparent watery fluid in the anterior chamber that nourishes and oxygenates the lens and inner cornea.

Vitreous Humor

Permanent gelatinous fluid in the posterior cavity of the eye that helps maintain shape.

Auditory Ossicles

Three tiny bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, stapes) that amplify sound waves.

Spiral Organ

The sensory structure for hearing located within the cochlear duct.

Utricle and Saccule

Part of the vestibular system that detects static equilibrium and linear acceleration.

Semicircular Ducts

Part of the vestibular system that detects angular acceleration and rotational movements.

Referred Pain

Inaccurate localization of sensory signals, where pain from internal organs is perceived as originating from skin or muscles.