NSCI 225 - LC #3 Study Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the NSCI 225 lecture notes, covering key concepts related to sound, hearing, and senses.

Physical Definition of Sound

Pressure changes in the air or other medium.

Perceptual Definition of Sound

The experience we have when we hear.

Sound Wave

A repeating pattern of air pressure changes.

Condensation (Compression)

An increase in pressure, pushing air molecules together.

Rarefaction

A decrease in pressure, spreading particles apart.

Frequency of Sound

Related to pitch; number of times a wave repeats itself in a second (measured in Hz).

Amplitude of Sound

Related to volume; pressure difference between atmospheric pressure and maximum pressure (measured in decibels).

Decibel

A logarithmic unit related to pressure, always in relation to amplitude of another sound.

Timbre

Related to wavelength; a quality of sound that makes it distinct.

Pure Tones

Have a single frequency.

Tone Chroma

Quality of tone as you move from octave to octave.

Binaural Cues

Depend on both ears.

Interaural Time Difference (ITD)

Time difference between arrival of sound at left and right ear.

Interaural Level Difference (ILD)

Difference in sound pressure level reaching the ears, caused by acoustic shadow.

Acoustic Shadow

Decreases level of high-frequency sounds on the opposite side of the head.

Timbre vs. Pitch

Timbre is affected when removing higher order harmonics, pitch stays the same.

sensorineural hearing loss

Caused by damage to the cochlea's receptor cells or to the auditory nerves.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Vibrations are not conducted properly to the inner ear.

Ossicles Function

Amplify pressure to allow sound to enter liquid-filled cochlea.

Receptive Field Size and Acuity Relationship

Smaller receptive fields mean better acuity.

Pacinian Corpuscles

Respond to fine texture and vibrations; have an onion-like capsule.

Endorphins

Endogenous substances that bind to opiate receptors, affecting pain perception.

Double Pain

First pain: sharp, quick pain; Second pain: long, aching, dull pain.

Olfactory Mucosa

Region in nasal cavity where olfactory receptors are located.

Taste Population Coding

Taste signaled by pattern of activity across several neurons.

Miracle Berry

Sweet taste activated after eating something sour.

COVID-19's effect on smell

Virus kills sustentacular cells and enters the nose.