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.