Chapters 3 & 4 Flashcards
Transduction
the conversion of sensory information into a neural signal which is processes by your nervous system
Sensory Threshold
the point where a stimulus is strong enough to be detected by your sensory receptors
Absolute Threshold
smallest possible strength of a stimulus that can be detected half of the time
Sensory Adaption
gradual decline in sensitivity to a constant stimulus; takes less than a minute
Pacinian Corpuscle
receptor responsible for pressure signals
Vestibular Sense
responsible for balance and equilibrium
Semicircular canals; vestibular sacs
in ear; filled with fluid that shifts in response to movement
Sense
involving location/position of your body parts in relation to one another or environment
Proprioceptors
sensory neurons in muscles and joints
Outer Ear
pina, ear canal, eardrum
Middle Ear
hammer, anvil stirrup
Oval Window
separates middle ear from inner ear
Inner Ear
Cochlea; fluid filled, spiral tube
Basilar Membrane
runs the length of the cochlea and contains receptors
Vision
sensation and process of electromagnetic energy
Cornea
clear membrane that gathers and directs incoming light
Pupil
opening in the middle of iris that changes sizes/amounts of light
Iris
colored part of the eye/the muscle that controls the pupil
Lens
transparent structure behind pupil; focuses and blends the light
Accommodation
lens changing shape to focus and direct light to the retina
Retina
thin membrane in back of the eye; contains sensory receptors
Rods
long; thin, blunt receptor; peripheral and night vision
Cones
short, thick, pointed receptor; color and visual acuity
Blind spot
part of the retina with no rods or cones
Monocular cues
helps us with depth perception
Induced motion
we perceive movement by comparing an object to it’s background
Illusions
misconceptions about the true characteristics of an object or image
Perception
process of integrating, organizing, and interpreting sensory information
Figure/ground relationship
relying on shapes to organize objects
Figure/ground reversal
perceiving an image in 2 different ways
Consciousness
immediate awareness of thoughts, sensations and memories of the world around you
Circadian Rhythms
24-hour cycle of daily functions, biological and psychological processes.
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)
cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus that controls circadian rhythm; biological clock
Melatonin
hormone that makes you drowsy and sleepy
Electroencephalograph
instrument used to monitor brain activity during sleep
REM Sleep
Rapid eye movement; dreaming
NREM
quiet; slow brain activity
Myoclonic jerk
involuntary muscle spasm
hyponagogic hallucination
sensation of floating or falling
Sleep Cycle Stage 1
theta waves (rapid); sounds fade; images fade; short in duration ( a few minutes)
Sleep Cycle Stage 2 - True Sleep
delta waves (slower); rhythmic breathing; 15-20 minute duration
Sleep Cycle Stage 3 - Slow Wave sleep
20% delta wave
Sleep Cycle Stage 4 - Slow Wave Sleep
50% delta wave; 20-40 minutes long
Sleep Apnea
when you stop breathing while you are sleeping
Narcolepsy
daytime sleepiness and/or sleep lapses
Insomnia
inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
acting out your dreams
Sleep walking
first 3 hours of sleep; common in kids
Night Terrors
living out a nightmare
Sleep Patterns
increase in age = decrease in REM sleep
Birth = 16 hours a day sleeping; 50% of it in REM
by Age 40 sleep pattern
waking up more during the night
by age 60+ sleep pattern
only 6 hours of sleep; mostly in light sleep
lack of sleep can lead to…
mood disruption, slow reaction time, poor perception, bad motor skills, low blood sugar, lower metabolism, endocrine system malfunction
Dreaming
story like episode involving characters and events that often reflect our daily concerns
5 characteristics of dreams
involve intense emotion, illogical and unorganized, bizarre sensations, we accept bizarre details, difficult to remember
Psychoactive drugs
chemical substances that alter perception and sensation
Depressants
inhibit brain activity; alcohol, tranquilizers, inhalants, xanax
Opiates
relieve pain and induce euphoria; mimic endorphins; morphine, heroin, fentanyl
Stimulants
Excite brain activity; caffeine, nicotine, cocaine
Psychedelic drugs
distort reality; LSD, Marijuana, Peyote, Mushrooms
Designer Drugs
Ecstasy, PCP
