Nervous System: Sensory Receptors, Pathways, and Functions

What is perception?

The interpretation of sensations, primarily a function of the cerebral cortex.

What are the general senses?

Somatic tactile, pain, and proprioceptive sensations.

What are the special senses?

Taste, smell, vision, hearing, and balance.

What are the four steps for a sensation to occur?

1. A stimulus activates a sensory receptor. 2. The sensory receptor converts the stimulus into an electrical signal. 3. A nerve impulse is conducted along a neural pathway to the brain. 4. The brain receives and integrates the impulse into a sensation.

What is adaptation in the context of sensation?

The decrease in sensation during a prolonged stimulus.

What are free nerve endings associated with?

Pain, thermal sensations, tickle, and itch.

What are encapsulated nerve endings responsible for?

Pressure, vibration, and some touch sensations.

What are separate receptor cells?

Receptor cells that synapse with first-order neurons.

What type of receptor detects mechanical pressure?

Mechanoreceptor.

What type of receptor responds to painful stimuli?

Nociceptor.

What type of receptor detects changes in temperature?

Thermoreceptor.

What type of receptor detects light?

Photoreceptor.

What type of receptor detects chemicals in the mouth, nose, and body fluids?

Chemoreceptor.

What type of receptor detects osmotic pressure of body fluids?

Osmoreceptor.

What is the nervous system?

The body's speedy, electrochemical communication network.

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other.

Name a famous neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.

Dopamine.

What is the central nervous system (CNS) composed of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) encompass?

Nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

What division of the nervous system is associated with voluntary movements?

Somatic nervous system.

What division of the nervous system is associated with involuntary functions?

Autonomic nervous system.

What is the sympathetic division responsible for?

Arousing responses (fight or flight).

What is the parasympathetic division responsible for?

Calming responses (rest and digest).

What is the difference between sensation and perception?

Sensation is the awareness of changes in the environment, while perception is the interpretation of those sensations.

What is sensory adaptation?

The process by which we become less aware of our surroundings over time.