Untitled Flashcards Set

What is another name for taste and smell receptors?

Special sensory receptors.

Why are taste and smell receptors referred to as special sensory receptors?

Because they detect stimuli and transmit the information to the brain for processing.

Where are taste buds specifically located?

Tongue, Cheeks, Soft palate.

How do taste buds interpret taste?

Taste buds receive flavor stimuli and send signals to the brain for interpretation.

What are the five basic qualities of taste?

Sweet, Sour, Bitter, Salty, Savory/Umami.

How can the ability to taste help maintain homeostasis?

It influences hormonal, neural, and metabolic pathways to help maintain balance.

How are taste and smell connected?

Taste buds detect flavors and nasal nerves detect scents, enhancing flavor perception.

What is the function of the eyelid?

Protects the eye from debris and injury.

What is the function of the canthus?

Contains glands that produce oily secretion to keep particles out.

What is the function of eyelashes?

Filter light, prevent debris, and trigger blinking.

What do meibomian glands do?

Produce oily secretion to lubricate eyelids and prevent sticking.

What is the conjunctiva?

A thin mucous membrane covering the eyelids and eye’s surface; includes the third eyelid.

What do the lacrimal glands and ducts do?

Release tears with lysozyme to protect the eye.

What is the function of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct?

Drain tears from the eye into the nasal cavity.

What are the three tunics of the eye?

Fibrous Tunic, Vascular Tunic (Uvea), Sensory Tunic (Retina).

What is the function of the sclera?

Gives the eye shape and protection.

What is the function of the cornea?

Transparent part that bulges forward; heals easily.

What is the function of the iris?

Controls pupil size.

What is the function of the pupil?

Regulates light entering the eye.

What is the function of vitreous humor?

Supports lens, transmits light, maintains pressure.

What is the function of aqueous humor?

Nourishes the cornea/lens; maintains pressure.

What are the two types of photoreceptor cells?

Rods and Cones.

What is the fovea centralis?

Area with high concentration of cones for sharp vision.

What is a blind spot?

A region of the retina with no photoreceptors.

How do we compensate for the blind spot?

The brain "fills in" the missing visual information.

Why are circadian rhythms important in rod and cone function?

They regulate production based on the sleep-wake cycle.

What is night blindness?

Poor vision in low light due to cataracts or Vitamin A deficiency.

What are cataracts?

Clouded lenses causing hazy vision; age-related, UV exposure, smoking.

What is glaucoma?

Pressure buildup damages optical nerve; symptoms include halos and headaches.

What is color blindness?

Inability to distinguish colors, often genetic or due to eye disease.

What is the function of the pinna?

Directs sound into the auditory canal.

What is the function of the external auditory canal?

Transmits sound to the eardrum.

What is the function of ceruminous glands?

Produce earwax to trap debris.

What is the function of the tympanic membrane?

Vibrates with sound and passes it to the middle ear.

What is the function of the auditory tube (Eustachian tube)?

Equalizes pressure; protects ear from loud sounds.

What is the function of ossicles?

Transmit vibrations to the inner ear.

What is the order of ossicles in sound movement?

Malleus → Incus → Stapes.

What is the function of the vestibule?

Detects head position; helps with balance.

What is the function of semicircular canals?

Detect angular/rotational movement.

What is the function of the cochlea?

Converts sound vibrations into nerve signals.

How does hearing work?

Vibrations travel to the eardrum, move ossicles, create fluid waves in cochlea, stimulate hair cells, send signals to brain.

What are equilibrium receptors called?

Vestibular Apparatus.

What is static equilibrium?

Maintains posture and detects gravity/up-down using maculae.

What is dynamic equilibrium?

Maintains balance during movement and detects rotation using crista ampullaris.

What causes motion sickness?

Mismatch between vestibular and visual input, causing sensory conflict.

What happens to taste and smell with age?

They decline due to loss of chemoreceptors.

Why does the decline of taste and smell happen with age?

Neurons are replaced more slowly, reducing sensory function.