u4 sec 3 psych

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that detect harmful temperatures, pressures, or chemicals (pain).

Gate-control theory

The idea that the spinal cord contains a gate that controls pain signals; it can be opened by pain signals or closed by large-fiber activity or brain messages.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers produced by the brain that reduce pain perception.

Placebo effect

Reduction in pain or symptoms caused by the expectation of relief.

Sensory interaction

When one sense influences another (e.g., smell affects taste).

Gustation

The sense of taste.

Umami

The savory flavor associated with proteins, such as meat or MSG.

Olfaction

The sense of smell.

Olfactory bulb

Brain structure that receives smell information directly from receptor cells.

Kinesthesia

The system for sensing body position and movement of individual parts.

Vestibular sense

The sense of balance and head position, controlled by inner ear structures.

Embodied cognition

The influence of bodily sensations on cognitive preferences and social judgments.

McGurk effect

A perceptual phenomenon where seeing and hearing conflicting sounds causes us to hear a blended sound.