Chapter 10 Flashcards
Perception
The conscious interpretation of the world based on the sensory systems, memory, and other neural processes
Visceral afferents
Visceral receptors transmit info to the CNS by this class of afferent neurons
Chemoreceptors- monitor O2, CO2, H+ lvls in blood
Baroreceptors- certain vessels that monitor blood pressure
Mechanoreceptors- gastrointestinal that monitor stretch or distention
Somatosensory system
Necessary for perception of sensations in the skin(somesthetic) and position of limbs (proprioception) which depends on muscles and joint receptors
Sensations: pressure, temperature, pain, and body position
Special senses
Vision Hearing Balance Equilibrium Taste Smell
Adequate stimulus
The modality which a receptor responds best to
Sensory transduction
Receptors convert the energy of a sensory stimulus into changes in mem potential call receptor potential or generator potentials (opening and closing of ion channels)
Sensory receptor forms
1: specialized structure at the peripheral end of an afferent neuron uses mem potential to propagate action potentials
2: separate cell that communicates through a chemical synapse with an associated afferent neuron used the release of neurotransmitters
Slowly adapting or tonic receptors
Show little adaptation and can function in signaling the intensity of a prolonged stimulus
Best respond to pressure
Ex. Muscle stretch receptors
Rapidly adapting or phasic receptors
Adapt quickly and thus function best in detecting changes in stimulus intensity
Best responds to vibration
Off response- some show a second smaller response upon termination of a stimulus
Ex. Olfactory receptors, pacinian corpuscles, which detect vibration in the skin
Labeled lines
The specific neural pathways that transmit info pertaining to a particular modality, each modality follows its own line
Sensory unit
Comprises a single afferent neuron and all the receptors associated with it of the same type
Receptive field
The area over which and adequate stimulus can produce a response in the afferent neuron
First order neuron
The afferent neuron that transmits info from the periphery to CNS
They may diverge within the CNS and communicate with several interneurons
Interneurons may receive converging input from several first order neurons
Thalamus
Major relay nucleus for sensory input, consist of second order neurons
Third order neurons
Form synapses with second order neurons, and transmit info to the cerebral cortex for sensory perception