Sensation and Perception Definitions

This set of flashcards covers key definitions related to sensation and perception as outlined in the lecture notes.

Sensation

Detecting physical energy and converting it into neural signals.

Perception

Interpreting and consciously experiencing sensory information.

Sensory transduction

Conversion of physical/chemical energy into neural signals.

Adequate stimulus

The specific energy type a receptor responds to best.

Adaptation

A receptor decreases response to unchanging stimuli.

Receptive field

The area where a stimulus evokes a neuron’s response.

Labeled line principle

Each sensory system using separate neural pathways to convey information.

Range fractionation

Different neurons respond to different intensity ranges of a stimulus.

Ionotropic receptors

Open ion channels directly in response to ions (e.g., Na⁺, H⁺).

Metabotropic receptors (GPCRs)

Trigger second-messenger cascades to open channels indirectly.

Olfactory bulb

Receives input from olfactory receptor neuron axons through the cribriform plate.

Hyposmia

Reduced ability to smell.

Synesthesia

Activation of one sensory pathway causing automatic experience in another.