Sensation and Perception (General)

Define sensory transduction

converting physical stimulus to neural signal

What is the general process of sensory transduction?

1. Stimulus

2. Sensory receptor responds to stimulus

3. Receptor potential (graded potential) occurs

4. If threshold —> AP

5. Signal travels to CNS

What is the role of sensory receptors within sensory transduction?

selective towards specific stimulus

What is the role of receptive field within sensory transduction?

smaller receptive field = increased precision

Both receptor potentials and graded potentials are:

• Graded

• NOT all-or-nothing

• Can summate

Where are receptor potentials located?

Sensory receptor

Receptor potential must be triggered by…

Sensory stimulus (physical)

Receptor potential leads to…

AP within a sensory neuron

What is the role of the myelencephalon in sensation/perception?

Vital reflexes

What is the role of the metencephalon in sensation/perception?

Coordination, relay

What is the role of the mesencephalon in sensation/perception?

Sensory reflexes

What is the role of the diencephalon in sensation/perception?

Relay

What is the role of the telencephalon in sensation/perception?

Conscious perception

If the myelencephalon was damaged, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Fatality

If the metencephalon was damaged, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Poor coordination

If the mesencephalon was damaged, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Poor orientation

If the diencephalon was damaged, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Loss of sensation

If the telencephalon was damaged, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Loss of perception/recognition

If the myelencephalon was stimulated, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Autonomic changes

If the metencephalon was stimulated, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Poor coordination

If the mesencephalon was stimulated, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

If the diencephalon was stimulated, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Distorted senses

If the telencephalon was stimulated, what would be the effect on sensation/perception?

Sensory experience

What is the function of the primary sensory cortex in perception and cognition?

Initial sensory processing

What is the info perceived by the primary sensory cortex in perception and cognition?

Basic info (pitch, light, touch)

What is the info perceived by the sensory association cortex in perception and cognition?

Complex features (objects, recogntion, identity)

What is the function of the sensory association cortex in perception and cognition?

Interpretation and meaning

What is the “map” of the primary visual cortex?

Retinotopic map

What is the “map” of the primary auditory cortex?

Tonotopic map

What is the “map” of the primary somatosensory cortex?

Homunculus

The retinotopic map is organized by

The visual field (retina)

The tonotopic map is organized by

Frequency of sound (pitch)

The homunculus is organized by

Body surface

How do “maps” relate to receptive fields?

Each neuron of each “map” has its own receptive field; small receptive fields have higher detail.