Bio35 Lecture 9 amygdala vision 2024

Sensory transduction

The process of converting various forms of energy from outside the body (such as light, sound, or chemicals) into neural signals.

Rhodopsin

A light-sensitive receptor protein involved in the phototransduction cascade, undergoing a conformational change when struck by a photon.

Transducin

A G-protein that is activated by rhodopsin during the phototransduction cascade.

G-protein coupled receptor

A type of receptor that activates intracellular signaling pathways through the activation of G-proteins.

Photoreceptors

Neurons in the retina, specifically rods and cones, that detect light and contribute to vision.

Retina

The light-sensitive layer located at the back of the eye where photoreceptors are situated.

Visual cortex (V1)

The part of the brain located in the occipital lobe responsible for processing visual information.

Cones

Photoreceptors that are less sensitive to light and are responsible for color vision and visual acuity.

Rods

Photoreceptors that are highly sensitive to light and allow vision in dim lighting but do not detect color.

Unequal distribution of rods and cones

The varying densities of rods and cones across different areas of the retina, affecting visual perception.

Optic chiasm

The point where the optic nerves partially cross, allowing visual information from both eyes to be processed in both hemispheres of the brain.

Multiplication in visual processing

A characteristic of the G-protein cascade that enables tracking of multiple photons in space.

Amplification in visual processing

A characteristic of the G-protein cascade that allows sensitivity to a single photon.

Dueling partner

A classmate who collaborates on a project, requiring communication and group dynamics.

Emotional processing in children and adults

The difference in the use of brain areas, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala, between kids and adults when processing emotions.