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Chapter 4 Skin and Body Membranes Body Membranes Functions of body membranes Cover body surfaces Line body cavities Form protective sheets around organs Classified according to tissue types Body Membranes Two major categories Epithelial membranes Cutaneous membranes Mucous membranes Serous membranes Connective tissue membranes Synovial membranes Epithelial Membranes Epithelial membranes are simple organs Also called covering and lining membranes These membranes contain both: Epithelial tissue layer Connective tissue layer Epithelial Membranes Cutaneous membrane = skin Dry membrane Outermost protective boundary Consists of two layers Epidermis is composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium Dermis is mostly dense (fibrous) connective tissue Epithelial Membranes • Mucous membranes (mucosae) • I Moist membranes Some mucosae secrete protective, lubricating mucus Line all body cavities that open to the exterior body surface • Adapted for absorption or secretion • ' Consists of two layers • Epithelium type depends on site • Loose connective tissue (lamina propria) Epithelial Membranes Serous membranes (serosae) Line compartments in the ventral body cavity that are ciosed to the exterior of the body Occur in pairs, separated by serous fluid, with a visceral and parietal layer Consists of two layers Simple squamous epithelium Areolar connective tissue Epithelial Membranes Specific serous membranes Peritoneum Cover organs in the abdominal cavity Pleurae Surround the lungs Pericardia Surround the heart Connective Tissue Membranes Synovial membranes Loose areolar connective tissue only (no epithelial tissue) Line fibrous capsules surrounding joints Line bursae Line tendon sheaths Secrete a lubricating fluid to cushion organs moving against each other during muscle activity Integumentary System Integumentary system consists of the: Skin (cutaneous membrane) Skin appendages Sweat glands Oil glands Hair Nails Functions of the Integumentary System Insulates and cushion deeper body organs Protects the entire body from: Mechanical damage (bumps and cuts) Chemical damage (acids and bases) Thermal damage (heat or cold) Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (sunlight) Microbes (bacteria) • Water loss Functions of the Integumentary System Regulates heat loss as controlled by the nervous system Acts as a mini-excretory system; sweat aids in the loss of Urea Salts Water Synthesizes vitamin D Secretions create a protective acid mantle Structure of the Skin Two kinds of tissue compose the skin Epidermis Dermis Subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) Anchors the skin to underlying organs Not technically part of the integumentary system Composed mostly of adipose tissue Serves as a shock absorber and insulates deeper tissues Structure of the Skin Epidermisouter layer Composed of stratified squamous epithelium Most cells are keratinocytes which produce a fibrous protein called keratin Keratinization makes the epidermis tough Desmosomes connect keratinocytes together Avascular Composed of five layers (strata) Structure of the Skin Summary of strata (layers) of the epidermis from deepest to most superficial Stratum basale Stratum spinosum Stratum granulosum Stratum lucidum (thick, hairless skin only) Stratum corneum Structure of the Skin Stratum basale (stratum germinativum) Deepest layer of epidermis Lies next to dermis Wavy borderline with the dermis anchors the two together Cells undergoing mitosis Daughter cells are pushed upward to become the more superficial layers Stratum spinosum Cells become increasingly flatter and more keratinized Structure of the Skin Stratum granulosum Stratum lucidum Formed from dead cells of the deeper strata Occurs only in thick, hairless skin of the palms of hands and soles of feet Stratum corneum Outermost layer of epidermis Shingle-like dead cells are filled with keratin (protective protein prevents wat loss from skin Structure of the Skin Melanin Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes Melanocytes are mostly in the stratum basale of the epidermis Color is yellow to brown to black Structure of the Skin Epidermal dendritic cells Alert and activate immune cells to a threat (bacterial or viral invasion) Merkel cells Associated with sensory nerve endings Serve as touch receptors called Merkel discs Structure of the Skin Dermis Connective tissue Underlies the epidermis Two regions Papillary Reticular Structure of the Skin Two regions of the dermis Papillary layer (upper dermal region) contain projections called dermal papillae Areolar connective tissue Indent the epidermis above Many projections contain capillary loops, and others house pain and touch receptors On palm and sole surfaces, papillae increase friction and gripping ability Fingerprints are identifying films of sweat Structure of the Skin Two regions of the dermis Reticular layer (deepest skin layer) Dense irregular connective tissue Blood vessels Sweat and oil glands Deep pressure receptors (lamellar corpuscles) Structure of the Skin Other dermal features Cutaneous sensory receptors Phagocytes Collagen and elastic fibers Blood vessels I Nerve supply Skin Color • Three pigments contribute to skin color 1. Melanin • Yellow, reddish brown, or black pigments 2. Carotene • Orange-yellow pigment (also found in some vegetables) 3. Hemoglobin Red coloring from blood cells in dermal capillaries Oxygen content determines the extent of red coloring Skin Color Redness (erythema) due to embarrassment, inflammation, hypertension, fever, or allergy Pallor (blanching) due to emotional stress (such as fear), anemia, low blood pressure, impaired blood flow to an area Jaundice (yellow cast)-indicates a liver disorder • Bruises (black and blue marks)-hematomas Appendages of the Skin Cutaneous glands are all exocrine glands Sebaceous glands Sweat glands Hair and hair follicles Nails Appendages of the Skin Sebaceous (oil) glands Located all over the skin except for palms and soles Produce sebum (oil) Makes skin soft and moist Prevents hair from becoming brittle Kills bacteria Most have ducts that empty into hair follicles; others open directly onto skin surface Glands are activated at puberty with increased androgens Appendages of the Skin Sweat (sudoriferous) glands Produce sweat Widely distributed in skin Two types of sudoriferous glands Eccrine glands Apocrine glands Appendages of the Skin Eccrine glands More numerous, located all over the body Open via duct to sweat pores on the skin's surface Produce acidic sweat Water, salts, vitamin C, traces of metabolic waste Function in body temperature regulation Appendages of the Skin Apocrine glands Ducts empty into hair follicles in the armpit and genitals Begin to function at puberty Release sweat that also contains fatty acids and proteins (milky or yellowish color) • Play a minimal role in body temperature regulation Appendages of the Skin Hair Located body-wide except for palms, soles, nipples, lips Produced by hair follicle Root is enclosed in the follicle Shaft projects from the surface of the scalp or skin Consists of hard keratinized epithelial cells Melanocytes provide pigment for hair color Hair grows in the matrix of the hair bulb in stratum basale Appendages of the Skin Hair anatomy Central medulla Cortex surrounds medulla Cuticle on outside of cortex Most heavily keratinized region of the hair Melanin provides color Appendages of the Skin Associated hair structures Hair follicle Composed of an inner epithelial root sheath andan outer fibrous sheath Dermal region provides a blood supply to the hair bulb (deepest part of the follicle) Arrector pili muscle connects to the hair follicle to pull hairs upright when we are cold or frightened Appendages of the Skin Nails Heavily keratinized, scalelike modifications of the epidermis Stratum basale extends beneath the nail bed, which is responsible for growth Lack of pigment makes nails colorless Appendages of the Skin Parts of a nail Free edge Body is the visible attached portion Nail folds are skin folds that overlap the edges of the nail; the cuticle is the proximal edge Root of nail is embedded in skin Growth of the nail occurs from nail matrix of nail bed Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Infections and allergies Athlete's foot Caused by fungal infection (Tinea pedis) Itchy, red peeling skin between the toes Boils (furuncles) and carbuncles Caused by inflammation of hair follicles Carbuncles are clusters of boils caused by bacteria Cold sores (fever blisters) Caused by human herpesvirus 1 Blisters itch and sting Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Infections and allergies Contact dermatitis Caused by exposure to chemicals that provoke allergic responses Itching, redness, and swelling of the skin Impetigo Caused by bacterial infection Pink, fluid-filled raised lesions around mouth/nose Psoriasis Triggered by trauma, infection, hormonal changes, or stress Red, epidermal lesions covered with dry, silvery scales that itch, burn, Crack, or sometimes bleed Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin • Burns Tissue damage and cell death caused by heat, electricity, UV radiation, or chemicals Associated dangers Protein denaturation and cell death Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance Circulatory shock Result in loss of body fluids and infection from the invasion of bacteria Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Extent of a burn is estimated using the rule of nines Body is divided into 11 areas for quick estimation Each area represents about 9 percent of total body surface area The area surrounding the genitals (the perineum) represents 1 percent of body surface area Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin . First-degree burn (superficial burn) Only epidermis is damaged Skin is red and swollen Second-degree burn (superficial partial-thickness burn) Epidermis and superficial part of dermis are damaged Skin is red, painful, and blistered Regrowth of the epithelium can occur Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Third-degree burn (full-thickness burn) Destroys epidermis and dermis; burned area is painless Requires skin grafts, as regeneration is not possible Burned area is blanched (gray-white) or black Fourth-degree burn (full-thickness burn) Extends into deeper tissues (bone, muscle, tendons) Appears dry and leathery Requires surgery and grafting May require amputation Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Criteria for deeming burns critical (if any one is met): Over 30 percent of body has second-degree burns Over 10 percent of the body has third-or fourth-degree burns Third-or fourth-degree burns of the face, hands, feet, or genitals Burns affect the airways Circumferential (around the body or limb) burns have occurred Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Skin cancer Most common form of cancer in humans Most important risk factor is overexposure to ultraviolet (V) radiation in sunlight and tanning beds Cancer can be classified two ways Benign means the neoplasm (tumor) has not spread Malignant means the neoplasm has invaded other body areas Concept Link Recall that mitosis gone wild is the basis for cancer (Chapter 3, pp. 82-83). These cells lack normal control of cell division and divide quickly, resulting in errors during DNA replication, mitosis, or both. Cells experiencing rapid, uncontrolled growth become cancerous and can metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin . First-degree burn (superficial burn) Only epidermis is damaged Skin is red and swollen Second-degree burn (superficial partial-thickness burn) Epidermis and superficial part of dermis are damaged Skin is red, painful, and blistered Regrowth of the epithelium can occur Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Third-degree burn (full-thickness burn) Destroys epidermis and dermis; burned area is painless Requires skin grafts, as regeneration is not possible Burned area is blanched (gray-white) or black Fourth-degree burn (full-thickness burn) Extends into deeper tissues (bone, muscle, tendons) Appears dry and leathery Requires surgery and grafting May require amputation Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Criteria for deeming burns critical (if any one is met): Over 30 percent of body has second-degree burns Over 10 percent of the body has third-or fourth-degree burns Third-or fourth-degree burns of the face, hands, feet, or genitals Burns affect the airways Circumferential (around the body or limb) burns have occurred Homeostatic Imbalances of Skin Skin cancer Most common form of cancer in humans Most important risk factor is overexposure to ultraviolet (V) radiation in sunlight and tanning beds Cancer can be classified two ways Benign means the neoplasm (tumor) has not spread Malignant means the neoplasm has invaded other body areas Concept Link Recall that mitosis gone wild is the basis for cancer (Chapter 3, pp. 82-83). These cells lack normal control of cell division and divide quickly, resulting in errors during DNA • One or more of the ABCD characteristics is evolving Developmental Aspects of Skin and Body Membranes Lanugo, a downy hair, covers the body by the fifth or sixth month of fetal development but disappears by birth Vernix caseosa, an oily covering, is apparent at birth Milia, small white spots, are common at birth and disappear by the third week Acne may appear during adolescence Pimples, scales, and dermatitis are more common with aging skin Developmental Aspects of Skin and Body Membranes In youth, skin is thick, resilient, and well hydrated With aging, skin loses elasticity and thins Skin cancer is a major threat to skin exposed to excessive sunlight Balding (alopecia) and/or graying occurs with aging; both are genetically determined other factors that may contribute include drugs and emotional stress

Exam Review Chapters 1, 2, & 3. Chapter 1 The Science of Psychology Behavior: Everything, we do that can be directly observed. Behavioral approach: an approach to psychology emphasizing the scientific study of observable behavioral responses and their environmental determinants. Biological approach: an approach to psychology focusing on the body, especially the brain and nervous system. Case study or case history: an in-depth look at a single individual. Cognitive approach: an approach to psychology emphasizing the mental processes involved in knowing: how we direct our attention, perceive, remember, think, and solve problems. Control group: The participants in an experiment who are as much like the experimental group as possible and who are treated in every way like the experimental group except for a manipulated factor, the independent variable. Correlational research: research that examines the relationships between variables, whose purpose is to examine whether and how two variables change together. Critical thinking: The process of thinking deeply and actively, asking questions, and evaluating the evidence. Dependent variable: The outcome; the factor that can change in an experiment in response to changes in the independent variable. Double-blind experiment: An experimental design in which neither the experimenter nor the participants are aware of which participants are in the experimental group and which are in the control group until the results are calculated. Evolutionary approach: An approach to psychology centered on evolutionary ideas such as adaptation, reproduction, and natural selection as the basis for explaining specific human behaviors. Experiment: A carefully regulated procedure in which the researcher manipulates one or more variables that are believed to influence some other variable. Experimental group: The participants in an experiment who receive the drug or other treatment under study—that is, those who are exposed to the change that the independent variable represents. Functionalism: James’s approach to mental processes, emphasizing the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior in the individual’s adaptation to the environment. Humanistic approach: An approach to psychology emphasizing a person’s positive qualities, the capacity for positive growth, and the freedom to choose any destiny. Hypothesis: A testable prediction that derives logically from a theory. Independent variable: A manipulated experimental factor; the variable that the experimenter changes to see what its effects are. Longitudinal design: A special kind of systematic observation, used by correlational researchers, that involves obtaining measures of the variables of interest in multiple waves over time. Mental processes: The thoughts, feelings, and motives that people experience privately but that cannot be observed directly. Natural selection: Darwin’s principle of an evolutionary process in which organisms that are best adapted to their environment will survive and produce offspring. Naturalistic observation: The observation of behavior in a real-world setting. Placebo: In a drug study, a harmless substance that has no physiological effect, given to participants in a control group so that they are treated identically to the experimental group except for the active agent. Placebo effect: The situation where participants’ expectations, rather than the experimental treatment, produce an experimental outcome. Population: The entire group about which the researcher wants to draw conclusions. Psychoanalysis: techniques involves an analyst unlocking a person's unconscious conflicts by talking with the individual about his or her childhood memories, dreams, thoughts, and feelings. Psychodynamic approach: an approach to psychology emphasizing unconscious thought, the conflict between biological drives (such as the drive for sex) and society’s demands, and early childhood family experiences. Psychology: The scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Sample: The subset of the population chosen by the investigator for study. Sociocultural approach: an approach to psychology that examines the ways in which social and cultural environments influence behavior. Structuralism: Wundt’s approach to discovering the basic elements, or structures, of mental processes. Theory: A broad idea or set of closely related ideas that attempts to explain observations and to make predictions about future observations. Validity: The soundness of the conclusions that a researcher draws from an experiment. In the realm of testing, the extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure. Variable: Anything that can change. Wilhelm Wundt is most often regarded the "founding father" of modern psychology. He was also the founder of structuralism. William James was the founder of functionalism. J. B. Watson and B. F. Skinner believed that psychology should focus on an organism's visible interactions with the environment—that is, behaviors. Ethical Guidelines developed by the American Psychological Association include: • informed consent. • confidentiality. • deception. • debriefing. Chapter 2 The Brain and Behavior Action potential: The brief wave of positive electrical charge that sweeps down the axon. Adrenal glands: glands at the top of each kidney that are responsible for regulating moods, energy level, and the ability to cope with stress. Amygdala: An almond-shaped structure within the base of the temporal lobe that is involved in the discrimination of objects that are necessary for the organism’s survival, such as appropriate food, mates, and social rivals. Association cortex: Sometimes called association areas, the region of the cerebral cortex that is the site of the highest intellectual functions, such as thinking and problem solving. Autonomic nervous system: The body system that takes messages to and from the body’s internal organs, monitoring such processes as breathing, heart rate, and digestion. Axon The part of the neuron that carries information away from the cell body toward other cells. Basal ganglia Large neuron clusters located above the thalamus and under the cerebral cortex that work with the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex to control and coordinate voluntary movements. Brain stem The stem like brain area that includes much of the hindbrain (excluding the cerebellum) and the midbrain; connects with the spinal cord at its lower end and then extends upward to encase the reticular formation in the midbrain. Cell body The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus, which directs the manufacture of substances that the neuron needs for growth and maintenance. Central nervous system (CNS): The brain and spinal cord. Cerebral cortex: Part of the forebrain, the outer layer of the brain, responsible for the most complex mental functions, such as thinking and planning. Chromosomes: In the human cell, threadlike structures that come in 23 pairs, one member of each pair originating from each parent, and that contain DNA. Corpus callosum: The large bundle of axons that connects the brain’s two hemispheres, responsible for relaying information between the two sides. Dendrites: Treelike fibers projecting from a neuron, which receive information and orient it toward the neuron’s cell body. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): A complex molecule in the cell’s chromosomes that carries genetic information. Dominant-recessive genes principle: The principle that if one gene of a pair is dominant and one is recessive, the dominant gene overrides the recessive gene. A recessive gene exerts its influence only if both genes of a pair are recessive. Endocrine system: The body system consisting of a set of glands that regulate the activities of certain organs by releasing their chemical products into the bloodstream. Forebrain: The brain’s largest division and its most forward part. Frontal lobes: The portion of the cerebral cortex behind the forehead, involved in personality, intelligence, and the control of voluntary muscles. Genes: The units of hereditary information, consisting of short segments of chromosomes composed of DNA. Genotype: An individual’s genetic heritage; his or her actual genetic material. Glands: Organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions. Glial cells: The second of two types of cells in the nervous system; glial cells (also called glia) provide support, nutritional benefits, and other functions and keep neurons running smoothly. Hindbrain: Located at the skull’s rear, the lowest portion of the brain, consisting of the medulla, cerebellum, and pons. Hippocampus: The structure in the limbic system that has a special role in the storage of memories. Hormones: Chemical messengers that are produced by the endocrine glands and carried by the bloodstream to all parts of the body. Hypothalamus: A small forebrain structure, located just below the thalamus, that monitors three pleasurable activities—eating, drinking, and sex—as well as emotion, stress, and reward. Limbic system: A set of subcortical brain structures central to emotion, memory, and reward processing. Midbrain: Located between the hindbrain and forebrain, an area in which many nerve-fiber systems ascend and descend to connect the higher and lower portions of the brain; in particular, the midbrain relays information between the brain and the eyes and ears. Motor cortex: A region in the cerebral cortex, located just behind the frontal lobes, that processes information about voluntary movement. Myelin sheath: A layer of fat cells that encases and insulates most axons. Neocortex: The outermost part of the cerebral cortex, making up 80 percent of the human brain’s cortex. Nervous system: The body’s electrochemical communication circuitry. Neural networks: Networks of nerve cells that integrate sensory input and motor output. Neurons: One of two types of cells in the nervous system; neurons are the nerve cells that handle the information-processing function. Neurotransmitters: Chemical substances that are stored in very tiny sacs within the neuron’s terminal buttons and involved in transmitting information across a synaptic gap to the next neuron. Occipital lobes: Structures located at the back of the head that respond to visual stimuli. Ovaries: Sex-related endocrine glands that produce hormones involved in women’s sexual development and reproduction. Pancreas: A dual-purpose gland under the stomach that performs both digestive and endocrine functions. Parasympathetic nervous system: The part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body. Parietal lobes: Structures at the top and toward the rear of the head that are involved in registering spatial location, attention, and motor control. Peripheral nervous system (PNS): The network of nerves that connects the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. Phenotype: An individual’s observable characteristics. Pituitary gland: A pea-sized gland just beneath the hypothalamus that controls growth and regulates other glands. Plasticity: The brain’s special capacity for change. Prefrontal cortex: an important part of the frontal lobes that is involved in higher cognitive functions such as planning, reasoning, and self-control. Resting potential, The stable, negative charge of an inactive neuron. Reticular formation: A system in the midbrain comprising a diffuse collection of neurons involved in stereotyped patterns of behavior such as walking, sleeping, and turning to attend to a sudden noise. Somatic nervous system: The body system consisting of the sensory nerves, whose function is to convey information from the skin and muscles to the central nervous system about conditions such as pain and temperature, and the motor nerves, whose function is to tell muscles what to do. Somatosensory cortex: A region in the cerebral cortex that processes information about body sensations, located at the front of the parietal lobes. Stem cells: Unique primitive cells that have the capacity to develop into most types of human cells. Stress: The responses of individuals to environmental stressors. Stressors: Circumstances and events that threaten individuals and tax their coping abilities and that cause physiological changes to ready the body to handle the assault of stress. Sympathetic nervous system: The part of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body to mobilize it for action and thus is involved in the experience of stress. Synapses: Tiny spaces between neurons; the gaps between neurons are referred to as synaptic gaps. Temporal lobes: Structures in the cerebral cortex that are located just above the ears and are involved in hearing, language processing, and memory. Testes: Sex-related endocrine glands in the scrotum that produce hormones involved in men’s sexual development and reproduction. Thalamus: The forebrain structure that sits at the top of the brain stem in the brain’s central core and serves as an important relay station. Left Hemisphere • verbal processing, speech, grammar Right Hemisphere • spatial perception • visual recognition • emotion Chapter 3 Sensation and Perception Absolute threshold: The minimum amount of stimulus energy that a person can detect. Apparent movement: The perception that a stationary object is moving. Auditory nerve: The nerve structure that receives information about sound from the hair cells of the inner ear and carries these neural impulses to the brain’s auditory areas. Binding: In the sense of vision, the bringing together and integration of what is processed by different neural pathways or cells. Binocular cues: Depth cues that depend on the combination of the images in the left and right eyes and on the way the two eyes work together. Bottom-up processing: The operation in sensation and perception in which sensory receptors register information about the external environment and send it up to the brain for interpretation. Cones: The receptor cells in the retina that allow for color perception. Convergence: A binocular cue to depth and distance in which the muscle movements in an individual’s two eyes provide information about how deep and/or far away something is. Depth perception: The ability to perceive objects three-dimensionally. Difference threshold: The degree of difference that must exist between two stimuli before the difference is detected. Feature detectors: Neurons in the brain’s visual system that respond to particular features of a stimulus. Figure-ground relationship: The principle by which we organize the perceptual field into stimuli that stand out (figure) and those that are left over (ground). Frequency theory: Theory on how the inner ear registers the frequency of sound, stating that the perception of a sound’s frequency depends on how often the auditory nerve fires. Gestalt psychology A school of thought interested in how people naturally organize their perceptions according to certain patterns. Inner ear: The part of the ear that includes the oval window, cochlea, and basilar membrane and whose function is to convert sound waves into neural impulses and send them to the brain. Kinesthetic senses: Senses that provide information about movement, posture, and orientation. Middle ear: The part of the ear that channels and amplifies sound through the eardrum, hammer, anvil, and stirrup to the inner ear. Monocular cues: Powerful depth cues available from the image in one eye, either the right or the left. Noise: Irrelevant and competing stimuli—not only sounds but also any distracting stimuli for the senses. Olfactory epithelium: The lining of the roof of the nasal cavity, containing a sheet of receptor cells for smell. Opponent-process theory: Theory stating that cells in the visual system respond to complementary pairs of red-green and blue-yellow colors; a given cell might be excited by red and inhibited by green, whereas another cell might be excited by yellow and inhibited by blue. Optic nerve: The structure at the back of the eye, made up of axons of the ganglion cells, that carries visual information to the brain for further processing. Outer ear: The outermost part of the ear, consisting of the pinna and the external auditory canal. Pain: The sensation that warns an individual of damage to the body. Papillae: Rounded bumps above the tongue’s surface that contain the taste buds, the receptors for taste. parallel processing: The simultaneous distribution of information across different neural pathways. Perception: The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information so that it makes sense. perceptual constancy: The recognition that objects are constant and unchanging even though sensory input about them is changing. perceptual set A predisposition or readiness to perceive something in a particular way. place theory: Theory on how the inner ear registers the frequency of sound, stating that each frequency produces vibrations at a particular spot on the basilar membrane. retina The multilayered light-sensitive surface in the eye that records electromagnetic energy and converts it to neural impulses for processing in the brain. Rods: The receptor cells in the retina that are sensitive to light but not very useful for color vision. selective attention: The act of focusing on a specific aspect of experience while ignoring others. semicircular canals: Three fluid-filled circular tubes in the inner ear containing the sensory receptors that detect head motion caused when an individual tilts or moves the head and/or the body. Sensation: The process of receiving stimulus energies from the external environment and transforming those energies into neural energy. sensory adaptation: A change in the responsiveness of the sensory system based on the average level of surrounding stimulation. sensory receptors: Specialized cells that detect stimulus information and transmit it to sensory (afferent) nerves and the brain. signal detection theory: An approach to perception that focuses on decision making about stimuli in the presence of uncertainty. subliminal perception The detection of information below the level of conscious awareness. Thermoreceptors: Sensory nerve endings under the skin that respond to changes in temperature at or near the skin and provide input to keep the body’s temperature at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. top-down processing The operation in sensation and perception, launched by cognitive processing at the brain’s higher levels, that allows the organism to sense what is happening and to apply that framework to information from the world. trichromatic theory: Theory stating that color perception is produced by three types of cone receptors in the retina that are particularly sensitive to different, but overlapping, ranges of wavelengths. vestibular sense: Sense that provides information about balance and movement. visual cortex: Located in the occipital lobe, the part of the cerebral cortex involved in vision. volley principle: Principle addressing limitations of the frequency theory of hearing, stating that a cluster of nerve cells can fire neural impulses in rapid succession, producing a volley of impulses. Weber’s law: The principle that two stimuli must differ by a constant minimum percentage (rather than a constant amount) to be perceived as different.