Biol 216-Topic 7: The Senses

These flashcards cover key concepts related to sensory receptors and the vestibular system important for understanding the senses.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized cells or terminals of afferent neurons that gather information about the external and internal environment.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect mechanical energy such as touch, pressure, acceleration, and vibration.

Proprioceptors

Sensory receptors that detect stimuli used by the CNS to monitor and maintain body and limb positions.

Photoreceptors

Sensory receptors located in the eye that detect light.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect specific molecules or conditions such as acidity, including taste buds.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors that detect tissue damage or noxious chemicals.

Thermoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect temperature changes.

Golgi Tendon Organs

A type of proprioceptor that detects muscle tension.

Sensory Transduction

The conversion of a stimulus to a change in membrane potential in sensory receptors.

Vestibular Apparatus

Components of the inner ear that perceive position and motion using mechanoreceptors.

Utricle and Saccule

Fluid-filled chambers of the vestibular apparatus that sense head position and linear motion.

Otolithic Membrane

A gelatinous membrane containing calcium carbonate crystals (otoliths) in the utricle and saccule.

Endolymph

Fluid in the semicircular canals that is high in potassium (K+) and transduces motion into neural firing.

Vestibular System

A system involving the inner ear's vestibular apparatus that helps maintain balance and spatial orientation.

Action Potential

An electrical signal generated in response to sensory stimulation that is transmitted along neurons.

Cupula

A gelatinous membrane in the semicircular canals that displaces due to fluid motion and bends sensory hair cells.

Stretch Receptors

Receptors located in muscles and tendons that detect position and movement.

Afferent Neurons

Nerve cells that carry information toward the central nervous system (CNS).