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Sensory Receptor
Structure specialized to detect a stimulus.
Transduction
The conversion of one form of energy to another, fundamental purpose of any sensory receptor.
Modality
Type of stimulus or the perception it produces, such as vision, hearing, taste.
Receptive Field
Area within which a sensory neuron detects stimuli.
Intensity
Strength of stimulus, encoded by which fibers respond, how many fibers respond, and how fast the fibers are firing.
Sensory Adaptation
If a stimulus is prolonged, firing of the neuron gets slower over time and we become less aware of it.
Phasic Receptors
Adapt quickly; burst of signals when stimulus starts, then reduce/stop signaling.
Tonic Receptors
Adapt slowly; action potentials continue more steadily while stimulus is present.
Nociceptors
Respond to tissue injury, situations threatening damage, activation produces sensation of pain.
Olfaction
Sense of smell, action of odorants on chemoreceptors.
Gustation
The sense of taste, involving receptors that detect tastants dissolved in water.
Cochlea
Organ of hearing that converts vibrations to nerve signals.
Myopia
Nearsightedness where the focal point is in front of the retina.
Hyperopia
Farsightedness where the focal point is behind the retina.
Astigmatism
Caused by unequal curvatures in different parts of the cornea or lens.
Rhythm
The arrangement of sounds in time, encompassing elements such as tempo and meter.
Auditory Pathway
Pathway from sound reception in the cochlea to perception in the auditory cortex.
Photoreceptor
Cells in the retina (rods and cones) that absorb light and generate electrical signals.
Spatial Orientation
Perception of the body's position and motion, crucial for balance.
Referred Pain
Pain perceived at a location different from the site of the painful stimulus.
Neuropathic Pain
Pain arising from injury to the nervous system.
Note 
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