Senses and Perception

A set of 100 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the senses and perception.

Transduction

The process by which sensory organs convert stimuli such as light waves into electrical signals.

Vision

One of the most complicated senses; involves processing light energy into images.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex brain functions, including vision.

Photoreceptors

Neurons in the retina that respond to light, including rods and cones.

Rods

Photoreceptors that are sensitive to dim light, allowing vision in low illumination.

Cones

Photoreceptors responsible for color vision and detail in bright light.

Macular Degeneration

A leading cause of blindness in older adults, characterized by degeneration of the macula.

Fovea

The center of the retina where cones are densely packed, allowing for sharp vision.

Retina

The layer of cells at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptors.

Ganglion Cells

Retinal cells that receive input from photoreceptors and send signals to the brain.

Optic Nerve

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

Receptive Field

The specific area of the visual field that a ganglion cell responds to.

Blind Spot

The region of the retina where the optic nerve exits, lacking photoreceptors.

Optic Chiasm

The crossover point where optic nerve fibers from each eye partially cross.

Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN)

A part of the thalamus that relays visual information to the primary visual cortex.

Primary Visual Cortex

The region of the brain located in the occipital lobe responsible for processing visual information.

Dorsal Stream

The visual processing stream associated with the perception of movement and spatial relationships.

Ventral Stream

The visual processing stream involved in object recognition and form representation.

Binocular Vision

The ability to perceive depth using both eyes, which see objects from slightly different angles.

Strabismus

A condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other, affecting depth perception.

Auditory System

The sensory system responsible for processing sound.

Tympanic Membrane

Also known as the eardrum, it vibrates in response to sound waves.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into electrical signals.

Hair Cells

Sensory cells in the cochlea that transduce mechanical vibrations into electrical signals.

Basilar Membrane

A membrane inside the cochlea that vibrates in response to sound, aiding in the mechanical-to-electrical signal conversion.

Auditory Cortex

The region of the brain responsible for processing auditory information.

Gustation

The sense of taste, which detects five basic taste qualities.

Olfaction

The sense of smell, enabling the detection of airborne odor molecules.

Taste Buds

Sensory organs on the tongue responsible for taste perception.

Umami

The taste associated with savory foods, often described as 'meaty'.

Olfactory Bulbs

Structures that process odor information before sending it to the brain.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons, particularly in the olfactory bulbs.

Nociceptors

Sensory fibers that respond to pain stimuli indicating tissue damage.

Cortical Maps

Representations of sensory information in the brain that reflect different areas of the body.

Two-Point Discrimination

The ability to distinguish two close stimuli on the skin as separate points.

Neurogenic Pain

Pain resulting from changes in the nervous system, not from direct injury.

Pain Management

Strategies and treatments to help control and reduce pain sensations.

Endorphins

Natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body.

Capsaicin

A compound in spicy food that activates pain receptors, causing a burning sensation.

Peripheral Vision

The ability to see objects outside of your direct line of sight.

Emotional Component of Pain

The aspect of pain that involves the emotional response to the sensation.

Sound Waves

Vibrations in the air that are detected by the auditory system.

Cochlear Implants

Devices that convert sound into electrical signals to stimulate auditory nerves.

Olfactory Receptors

Sensory neurons responsible for detecting odor molecules.

Sapid

Having a strong taste or flavor; often refers to foods that are particularly rich in flavor.

Spatial Relationships

The understanding of how different objects are positioned relative to one another.

Contrast Perception

The ability to distinguish between different levels of brightness in visual fields.

Complex Sounds

Auditory signals that consist of multiple frequencies and tones.

Pain Pathways

Neural routes through which pain signals travel from the body to the brain.

Touch Receptors

Specialized nerve endings in the skin that respond to tactile stimuli.

Inflammatory Soup

The mix of chemicals released during tissue injury that enhances sensitivity to pain.

Neural Integrations

Combining signals from different senses to create a cohesive perceptual experience.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A treatment that involves changing thought patterns to alter emotional responses, including pain.

Astrocytes

Support cells in the retina that provide nutrients and maintain homeostasis.

Color Spectrum

The range of colors perceivable by the human eye, resulting from combinations of red, green, and blue light.

Pinprick Pain

A sharp, immediate pain response to a small but intense stimulus.

Neural Activity

The electrical signaling that occurs in neurons when they respond to stimuli.

Retinal Layers

The different structured layers in the retina where various types of neurons are organized.

Astigmatism

A vision condition caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred vision.

Achromatic Vision

Vision without color; typically associated with rod vision in low light.

Sensation

The process of receiving and interpreting sensory information.

Perception

The interpretation of sensory information to create meaning or understanding.

Augmented Reality

A technology that layers digital information over real-world environments.

Selective Attention

The ability to focus on specific stimuli while ignoring others.

Visual Acuity

The clarity or sharpness of vision.

Temporal Lobe

The area of the brain involved in processing auditory information and language.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the brain associated with executive functions and motor control.

Topographic Organization

The mapping of sensory input from the body surface onto specific areas of the brain.

Acute Pain

Short-term pain that typically resolves as the body heals.

Chronic Pain

Persistent pain that lasts beyond the usual recovery time.

Anatomical Pathways

The routes that neural signals travel through the nervous system.

Congenital Conditions

Conditions that are present from birth, which may affect sensory capabilities.

Neural Remodeling

Changes in neural structure and connectivity in response to learning or injury.