Reflex Arcs and Sensory Receptors

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to reflex arcs, sensory receptors, and auditory and visual systems based on lecture notes.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

Stretch Reflex

A reflex that prevents muscles from stretching too far.

Pupillary Reflex

A reflex that controls the diameter of the pupil in response to light.

Electromyography (EMG)

A technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity of skeletal muscles.

Transduction

The process of converting a stimulus into an electrical signal.

Exteroceptors

Receptors that respond to external stimuli.

Interoceptors

Receptors that respond to internal stimuli.

Mechanoreceptors

Receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion.

Photoreceptors

Receptors that respond to light.

Thermoreceptors

Receptors that respond to changes in temperature.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that respond to chemical stimuli.

Nociceptors

Receptors that respond to pain.

Cutaneous Receptors

Receptors located in the skin that respond to touch, pressure, and temperature.

Extrinsic Eye Muscles

Muscles controlling eye movement; there are six in total.

Optic Nerve (CN II)

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

Super Tasters

Individuals with a heightened sensitivity to certain flavors due to a higher density of taste receptors.

Hair Cells

Mechanosensitive cells in the inner ear that are crucial for hearing.

Cochlear Nerve (CN VIII)

The cranial nerve that carries auditory sensory information from the cochlea.

Organ of Corti

A structure in the cochlea that contains hair cells and is essential for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.