Special Senses and Receptors

Flashcards covering the key terms and concepts related to the special senses and their anatomical structures.

Fungiform papillae

Papillae on the tongue that look like fungal growths.

Vallate papillae

Papillae organized in a 'V' shaped structure, located towards the back of the tongue.

Foliate papillae

Papillae resembling foliage or leaves.

Sensory receptors

Specialized receptors that are localized and confined to the head region.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that respond to chemicals, such as food dissolved in saliva and airborne chemicals.

Taste (gustation)

The sense that allows for the identification of flavors.

Smell (olfaction)

The sense that allows for the detection of odors.

Gustatory epithelial cells

Cells that bind tastants and generate impulses to associated sensory neurons.

Basal epithelial cells

Cells that replace lost gustatory cells.

Five basic tastes

Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

Olfactory receptors

Sensory neurons that detect smell and are part of the olfactory epithelium.

Ciliary body

A thickened ring of tissue that encircles the lens of the eye.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil.

Photorector cells

Neurons in the retina that detect light.

Macula lutea

The region of the retina that contains mostly cones.

Fovea centralis

The area of the retina with the highest visual acuity, containing only cones.

Cochlea

A part of the inner ear involved in hearing, containing receptors for sound.

Vestibule

The central part of the bony labyrinth in the inner ear, responsible for balance.

Semicircular canals

Structures in the inner ear that detect rotational movements.