Biology 131 Ch. 44

Transduction

The conversion of an external stimulus into an internal signal in the form of action potentials along sensory neurons.

Transmission

Movement of signal to the CNS.

Mechanoreceptors

Respond to distortion caused by pressure.

Photoreceptors

Respond to particular wavelengths of light.

Chemoreceptors

Detect specific molecules.

Thermoreceptors

Detect changes in temperature.

Nociceptors

Senses harmful stimuli such as tissue injury.

Electroreceptors

Detect electric fields.

Magnetoreceptors

Detect magnetic fields.

Statocyst

organ lined with pressure receptor cells and contains small calcium rich particle that normally rests on the bottom of the organ. But if flipped or tipped the particle presses against articles that are not the bottom of the organ.

Hair cells

pressure receptor cells that are named for their stiff outgrowths.

Stereocilia

Stiff outgrowths of hair cells. Are microvilli that are supported by actin filaments.

Kinocilium

A true cilium that contains a 9+2 arrangement of microtubules.

Hearing

The sensation produced by wavelike changes in air pressure called sound.

Frequency

The number of pressure waves that occur in 1 second and is measured in hertz (Hz).

Pitches

perceived different sound frequencies.

Tympanic membrane

AKA eardrum separates outer ear from middle ear.

Stapes

One of three bones in the middle ear, that vibrates against a membrane.

Oval Window

Membrane that stapes vibrates against and separates middle ear to inner ear.

Cochlea

fluid filled chamber inside inner ear contains many hair cells.

Basilar membrane

Membrane in which tissue containing hair cells sits atop of in the Cochlea.

Tectorial Membrane

Smaller surface that the oscillating hair cells touch as well as one another.

Echolocation

Usage of echos of sound (sonar) in order to navigate.

Lateral line system

Sensory organ in fish that detects pressure changes in water,

Gustation

The sense of taste.

Olfaction

The sense of smell.

Taste buds

Chemoreceptor cells that sense taste and are clustered.

Unami

Sensation that is perceived as the meaty taste.

Odorants

Airborne molecules that convey information about food or the environment.

Olfactory bulb

The part of the brain where olfactory signals are processed and interpreted.

Glomeruli

Region of the olfactory bulb where specific smells are sensed.

Pheromone

A chemical that is secreted into the environment and that affects the behavior or physiology of the same species.

Vomeronasal organ

Sensory organ in the nasal cavity, sends different signals to different part of the brain.