Review Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing lecture notes.

Ommatidium

A visual unit of the insect compound eye, containing a lens, crystalline cone, photoreceptor cells, and pigment cells.

Function of Insect Compound Eye

Detect movement and fast changes in light; ideal for flight and predator avoidance. Some insects (like bees) can detect ultraviolet light.

Simple Eyes (Ocelli) in Insects

Usually arranged in a triangle on the insect’s head; primarily detect light intensity and aid in flight stability by helping with horizon detection.

Cornea and Lens (Vertebrate Eye)

Focus light onto the retina.

Iris (Vertebrate Eye)

Controls pupil size and light entry.

Optic Nerve (Vertebrate Eye)

Sends visual information to the brain.

Rods (Vertebrate Eye)

Sensitive to low light (scotopic vision); found mostly in peripheral retina; do not detect color.

Cones (Vertebrate Eye)

Work in bright light (photopic vision); responsible for color vision.

S-cones

Short wavelength, blue.

M-cones

Medium wavelength, green.

L-cones

Long wavelength, red.

Olfaction

Olfactory receptors in nasal epithelium bind to odor molecules, then signals are sent to olfactory bulb → brain.

Gustation

Taste buds on tongue contain taste receptor cells and works with smell to create flavor perception.

Pheromones

Chemical signals affecting behavior/physiology (e.g., menstrual synchrony, mate choice).

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

People may prefer the scent of individuals with different MHC genes, possibly enhancing offspring immunity.