Principles of Sensory Processing in NEUR 2000

Sensation

Detection of environmental stimuli by sensory systems.

Perception

Awareness of sensory information processed by the brain.

Sensory Systems

Systems that detect specific types of stimuli.

Functional Pathways

Pathways for sensory information flow in the brain.

Sensory Receptor Cells

Cells that transduce environmental stimuli into signals.

Thalamus

Brain relay station that modulates sensory information.

Primary Sensory Cortex

Brain region for processing sensory perceptions.

Accessory Pathways

Additional pathways for reflexive sensory functions.

Association Cortex

Brain area integrating information for cognition.

Photons

Particles of light with varying energy levels.

Photoreceptors

Sensory cells in the retina detecting light.

Visual Perception

Conversion of light into neural signals for image formation.

Somatosensation

Body sense including touch, temperature, and pain.

Mechanoreceptors

Receptors sensitive to kinetic energy for touch.

Thermoreceptors

Receptors sensitive to thermal energy for temperature.

Nociceptors

Receptors sensitive to pain from intense stimuli.

Proprioception

Sense of body position and movement.

Auditory System

System for detecting sound waves in the environment.

Hair Cells

Sensory cells in the cochlea transducing sound.

Tympanic Membrane

Eardrum vibrating in response to sound waves.

Cochlea

Inner ear structure converting vibrations to neural signals.

Gustatory System

System for detecting taste and flavor combinations.

Taste Buds

Structures containing taste receptors on the tongue.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that transduce chemical stimuli for taste and smell.

Olfactory System

System for detecting odors and contributing to flavor.

Olfactory Receptor Neurons

Cells in the nasal cavity detecting odorants.

Limbic System

Brain region involved in emotions and memory related to smell.