BIOL 1000 Chapter 38: Sense Organs

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from BIOL 1000 Chapter 38 on sense organs and sensory receptors.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized sensory cells that detect various stimuli.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect chemicals, important for senses like taste and smell.

Taste Buds

Sensory organs located primarily on the tongue that contain taste receptors.

Photoreceptors

Sensory receptors that are sensitive to light, found in the retina.

Rods

Type of photoreceptor that detects shades of gray, used for night vision.

Cones

Type of photoreceptor responsible for color perception.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensory receptors that sense physical contact or movement in the environment.

Cochlea

A fluid-filled structure in the inner ear that contains sound receptors.

Ampulla

Base of the semicircular canals, containing hair cells that respond to head movement.

Otoliths

Granules that rest on the otolithic membrane and are involved in sensing gravity.

Echolocation

A process used by some animals to determine the distance of objects by emitting sound and listening for the echo.

Gravitational Equilibrium

The ability to sense balance in relation to gravity.

Saccule

A membranous sac in the vestibule that responds best to vertical head movements.

Utricle

A membranous sac in the vestibule that is sensitive to horizontal head movements.

Lateral Line System

A sensory system in fishes that detects water currents and pressure waves.

Sonar

A navigation method used by some mammals to determine the location of objects by using sound.