Taste + smell ch 5

Taste buds

formed by groupings of taste receptor cells with hair-like extensions that protrude into the central pore of the taste bud (

Olfactory receptor

located in a mucous membrane at the top of the nose. Small hair-like extensions from these receptors serve as the sites for odor molecules dissolved in the mucus to interact with chemical receptors located on these extensions

olfactory bulb

bulb-like structure at the tip of the frontal lobe where the olfactory nerves begin. information is sent to regions of the limbic system and to the primary olfactory cortex, which is located very near the gustatory cortex

pheromones

chemical messages sent by other individuals

Meissner’s corpuscles

respond to pressure and lower frequency vibrations,

Pacinian corpuscles

detect transient pressure and higher frequency vibrations.

Merkel’s disks

respond to light pressure,

Ruffini corpuscles

detect stretch

thermoception

(temperature perception)

nociception

signal indicating potential harm and maybe pain)

inflammatory pain

Pain that signals some type of tissue damage

neuropathic pain

In some situations, pain results from damage to neurons of either the peripheral or central nervous system. As a result, pain signals that are sent to the brain get exaggerated.

congenital insensitivity

Some individuals are born without the ability to feel pain.

vestibular sense

contributes to our ability to maintain balance and body posture.

proprioception, kinesthesia

interact with information provided by the vestibular system.