The Special Senses

Vocabulary terms defining the types and physiological triggers of the special senses based on the lecture transcript.

Special Senses

Localized sensations associated with very specialized sensory receptors that collect and transmit information to specific areas of the brain, consisting of sight, smell, taste, hearing, and balance.

Smell and Taste

Sensory functions that are closely related both structurally and functionally, and are both initiated by the interaction of external chemicals with sensory receptors.

Vision

A special sense initiated by the interaction of light with sensory receptors.

Hearing and Balance

Two special senses that function in response to the interaction of mechanical stimuli with sensory receptors.

Hearing

A special sense that occurs in response to sound waves.

Balance

A special sense that occurs in response to gravity or motion.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized structures that collect and transmit information to specific areas of the brain.