Sensation and Perception Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key topics in sensation and perception including audition, deafness, pain control, taste, smell, and body senses.

Wavelength and Frequency for Sound

Properties of sound waves that determine pitch, with frequency measuring the number of complete wave cycles per unit of time.

Amplitude (Amp) for Sound

The height of a sound wave, which determines the perceived loudness or volume of sound.

Parts of the Ear

The structural components categorized into outer, middle, and inner ear that collect, amplify, and transduce sound waves.

Process of Hearing

The auditory pathway from sound wave conduction in the outer/middle ear, to hair cell transduction in the cochlea, to neural transmission to the brain.

Soud Localization

The process by which the auditory system determines the direction and spatial location of a sound source.

Place Theory

A theory of hearing stating that pitch perception depends on the specific location along the basilar membrane where hair cells are stimulated.

Conduction Deafness

Hearing loss caused by physical or mechanical damage to the outer or middle ear mechanisms that transmit sound waves to the cochlea.

Sensorineural/Nerve Deafness

Hearing loss caused by damage to the cochlea's hair cell receptors or to the auditory nerve.

Gate Control Theory

A theory suggesting that the spinal cord contains a neurological gate that either blocks pain signals or allows them to pass on to the brain.

Taste Receptors

Sensory cells located within taste buds on the tongue that detect chemical substances dissolved in saliva.

Supertasters

Individuals with an unusually high density of taste papillae who experience tastes with significantly greater intensity.

Kinesthetic Sense

The sensory system responsible for sensing the position, orientation, and movement of individual body parts.

Semicircular Canals

Fluid-filled tubular structures in the inner ear that detect head rotation and help maintain balance.

Gustation

The chemical sense and physiological process of taste.

Olfaction

The chemical sense and physiological process of smell.

Difference Between Taste and Flavor

Taste refers strictly to sensations detected by tongue receptors, whereas flavor is the combined perception of taste, smell (olfaction), and tactile texture.

6 Tastes We Can Sense on Our Tongue

The primary taste sensations detected by receptors on the tongue: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami (savory), and oleogustus (fat).