Special Senses and the Nervous System

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on olfaction, taste, and the nervous system, focusing on their functions, connections, and physiological roles.

What is olfaction?

Olfaction is the sense of smell.

What are chemoreceptors?

Chemoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to chemical stimuli, such as taste and smell.

What is the role of the olfactory bulbs?

The olfactory bulbs process smell information from the olfactory receptors.

What is the connection between smell and taste during evaluations?

When evaluating children neurologically, they often describe tastes in terms of smells, indicating the close relationship between the two senses.

Why do fruits smell the best when they are ripest?

Fruits emit strong smells when ripe to attract animals for consumption and seed dispersal.

What cranial nerve is associated with the sense of smell?

Cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve) is responsible for the sense of smell.

What is the difference between nociceptors and chemoreceptors?

Nociceptors respond to pain and potentially harmful stimuli, while chemoreceptors respond to chemical changes and compounds.

What is the purpose of doing the 'sniff test'?

The 'sniff test' is used to assess food safety by checking if it smells bad before consumption.

What is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions and responses to internal stimuli.

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

The two divisions are the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems.

What neurotransmitters are involved in sympathetic and parasympathetic functions?

Sympathetic functions often involve norepinephrine, while parasympathetic functions primarily involve acetylcholine.

What are the functions of the medulla oblongata?

The medulla oblongata regulates vital functions such as heart rate, blood vessel diameter, and respiratory rate.

What are the characteristics of sympathetic innervation?

Sympathetic innervation has short preganglionic fibers and long postganglionic fibers, and it prepares the body for physical activity.

What is dual innervation?

Dual innervation refers to the regulation of an organ by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

What is a common physiological response involved in the sympathetic nervous system?

Increased heart rate and blood pressure are common responses during sympathetic activation.