Senses and Sensory Receptors

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes about sensory receptors and their functions.

Sensory Receptors

Cells that detect stimuli from the internal or external environment and convert them into electrical impulses.

Transducers

Devices that convert one form of energy into another; in sensory receptors, they convert stimulus energy into electrical energy.

Receptive Field

The area of the sensory neuron that detects stimuli; smaller receptive fields allow for more precise localization of stimuli.

Sensation

A stimulus that we are consciously aware of; signals must reach the cerebral cortex to be perceived.

General Sense Receptors

Simple structures distributed throughout the body that include somatic and visceral sensory receptors.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect chemical stimuli, such as those for taste and smell.

Photoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to light; located in the retina of the eye.

Mechanoreceptors

Receptors that detect mechanical pressure or distortion, such as touch and vibration.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors that detect harmful or painful stimuli.

Olfaction

The sense of smell; involves chemoreceptors that detect odorants in the air.

Gustation

The sense of taste; receptors respond to tastants in food.

Lacrimal Apparatus

The system responsible for producing, collecting, and draining tears.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that controls the diameter and size of the pupil.

Fovea Centralis

A small pit in the retina where visual acuity is highest; contains a high density of cones.

Emmetropia

Normal vision where light rays focus correctly on the retina.

Myopia

Nearsightedness; occurs when light rays focus before they reach the retina.

Hyperopia

Farsightedness; occurs when light rays focus behind the retina.

Cataracts

Clouding of the lens that affects vision; often related to aging.

Glaucoma

A condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve.

Phototransduction

The process by which photoreceptors convert light into electrical signals.