Chapter 7 the Other Sensory Systems Flashcards
Across fibre principle
ideas that each receptor responds to a wide range of stimuli and contributes to the perception of every stimulus in its system
Adaptation
decreased response to a stimulus as a result of recent exposure to it
Amplitude
the intensity of a sound wave
Cannabinoids
chemicals related to D9-THC
Capsaicin
a chemical, found in hot peppers, that produces a painful burning sensation by releasing substance P; high dosages damage pain receptors
Cochlea
structure in the inner ear containing auditory receptors
Conductive deafness (middle-ear deafness)
hearing loss that occurs if the bones of the middle ear fail to transmit sound waves properly to the cochlea
Cross adaptation
reduced response to one taste after exposure to another
Dermatome
area of the body connected to a particular spinal nerve
Endorphins
transmitters that attach to the same receptors as morphine
Frequency
the number of cycles per second, measured in Hz
Frequency Theory
concept that the basilar membrane vibrates in synchrony with a sound, causing auditory nerve axons to produce action potentials at the same frequency
Gate Theory
idea that stimulation of certain axons can close the “gates” for pain messages
Hair Cells
the auditory receptors that lie along the basilar membrane in the cochlea
Label-lined Principle
concept that each receptor responds to a limited range of stimuli and has a direct line to the brain
Loudness
perception of the intensity of a sound
Nerve Deafness or inner ear deafness
hearing loss that results from damage to the cochlea, the hair cells, or the auditory nerve
Nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS)
structure in the medulla that receives input from taste receptors
Olfaction
the sense of smell, which is the response to chemicals that contact the membranes inside the nose
Olfactory cells
neurons responsible for smell, located on the olfactory epithelium in the rear of the nasal air passages
Opioid mechanism
systems that respond to opiate drugs and similar chemicals
Oval window
a membrane of the inner ear
Pacinian Corpuscle
receptor that responds to a sudden displacement of the skin or high-frequency vibrations on the skin
Periaqueductal gray area
area of the brainstem that is rich in enkephalin synapses
Pheromones
chemicals released by an animal that affect the behavior of other members of the same species
Pinna
the outer ear structure of flesh and cartilage that sticks out from each side of the head
Pitch
the related aspect of perception
Place Theory
concept that pitch perception depends on which part of the inner ear has cells with the greatest activity level
Placebo
a drug or other procedure with no pharmacological effects
Primary auditory cortex (area A1)
area in the superior temporal cortex in which cells respond best to tones of a particular frequency
Semi circular canals
structures located in the vestibular organ, oriented in three planes and lined with hair cells; sensitive to the directional tilt of the head
Somatosensory System
sensory network that monitors the surface of the body and its movements
Substance P
a neurotransmitter released by pain axons in the spinal cord
Supertasters
people with heightened sensitivity to all tastes and mouth sensations