Chapter 8 - Specialized Senses Flashcards
Receptors
- photoreceptors
- mechanoreceptors
- chemoreceptors
Receptor Potentials
- sensory receptors have receptor potentials
- used to signal to CNS
Sensory Adaptation
- sensory receptors become less sensitive in continued presence of stimulus
Sensory Coding
- signals received by receptors are transduced to be understood by brain
Visible Spectrum
the wavelengths of light than can be detected by the human eye (400-700 nm)
Accessory structures of the eye
- eyebrow/eyelashes
- eyelids
Function of eyebrows/eyelashes
protect the eye from sunlight and foreign objects
Function of eyelids
spread oil, mucus, and saline across the conjunctiva to moisten and avoid friction
Sclera
white part of the eye
Iris
color
Pupil
central opening; allows light to enter
Lens
helps focus light on retina; must be transparent to let light pass through, and must be curved to refract light
Choroid
part of the vascular layer
Retina
contains photoreceptor cells that capture light
Macula
central point of the retina