The Special Senses - Chapter 15A

Flashcards covering major terms and concepts related to the special senses in human anatomy and physiology.

Special Senses

Refers to the human body's ability to perceive distinct stimuli through specialized organs: Vision, Taste, Smell, Hearing, and Equilibrium.

Synesthesia

A condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory pathway.

Phototransduction

The process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the retina.

Rods

Photoreceptor cells in the retina that are responsible for vision in low light conditions and peripheral vision.

Cones

Photoreceptor cells in the retina that provide color vision and operate best in bright light.

Olfactory receptor neurons

Sensory neurons located in the olfactory epithelium that detect odor molecules in the nasal cavity.

Taste Buds

Sensory organs located on the tongue responsible for perceiving taste.

Gustatory epithelial cells

Cells in taste buds that are activated by dissolved substances, leading to taste perception.

Light Adaptation

The process by which the eyes adjust to bright light after being in darkness, causing temporary glare.

Dark Adaptation

The process by which the eyes adjust to low light conditions after being in bright light, allowing for improved sensitivity.

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina that detect light and convert it to electrical signals for visual processing.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, which is perceived by the human eye.

Olfactory adaptation

The phenomenon where prolonged exposure to an odor results in decreased sensitivity to that odor.

Vestibular System

The sensory system responsible for balance and spatial orientation, located in the inner ear.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.

Basilar membrane

A membrane in the cochlea that plays a crucial role in hearing by separating different frequencies of sound.

Equilibrium

The sense of balance maintained by the vestibular system in the inner ear.