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These flashcards cover key concepts related to the PSYC 101 exam, including anatomy of the eye, mechanisms of drugs and behavior, sleep stages, and theories of sensation and perception.

Vitreous humor

A gel-like substance that fills the eye between the lens and the retina.

Fovea

The central part of the retina where visual acuity is highest.

Pupil

The opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil.

Retina

The layer of tissue at the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain.

Blind Spot

The area in the retina where the optic nerve leaves the eye and there are no photoreceptors.

Optic Nerve

The nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

The process by which a drug produces its effects in the body.

Substance Use Disorders

Conditions characterized by compulsive use of drugs despite harmful consequences.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase alertness, attention, and energy.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow down body functions.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.

Circadian rhythm

The body's natural 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep and wakefulness.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

A cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus that controls circadian rhythms.

Sleep Cycle

The pattern of sleep stages that repeat throughout the night.

Stage 1 Sleep

The transition phase between wakefulness and sleep, characterized by hypnic jerks.

Stage 2 Sleep

A deeper sleep stage with sleep spindles and k-complexes.

Stage 3 Sleep (Slow-wave sleep)

The deepest stage of sleep characterized by delta waves.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement and vivid dreaming.

Parasomnias

Abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking or night terrors.

Dyssomnias

Disorders that affect the quality, timing, or duration of sleep.

Transduction

The process of converting physical stimuli into electrochemical signals.

Sensory adaptation

The decreased sensitivity to a stimulus after prolonged exposure.

Trichromatic Theory

The theory that color perception is based on the activity of three types of cones sensitive to different wavelengths.

Opponent Process Theory

The theory that color perception is controlled by the activity of opposing pairs of colors.

Retinex Theory

The theory that color perception is influenced by lighting and context.

Rods and Cones

Photoreceptors in the retina responsible for vision in low light and color vision, respectively.

Audition

The sense or act of hearing, involving the properties of sound stimulus such as loudness, pitch, and timbre.