flynn 1 Flashcards
The process where external energy (e.g., light, sound, pressure) is detected by sensory organs and converted into electrical (neural) signals. What is this?
sensation
What is this? Our interpretation of those neural signals
perception
Difference between sensation and perception?
Sensation is the raw input; perception is the brain’s understanding of it.
Sensory systems process vast types of sensations by encoding them into four key pieces of information:
modality, intensity, location, timing
Light detected by the eyes, pressure detected by skin. This is an example of?
sensation
Interpreting vibrations as a specific sound or pressure as texture. This is an example of?
perception
An optical illusion (like the Kanizsa Triangle) is perceived as a complete shape, even though the sensation does not fully match. What does this explain
the difference between sensation and perception
modality means
type of energy
Refers to the type of stimulus detected by the sensory receptor (e.g., light, sound, pressure). What type of information is this?
modality
Different receptor types are specialized for specific modalities:
Mechanoreceptors: Detect touch, pressure, and vibration.
Thermoreceptors: Detect changes in temperature.
Photoreceptors: Detect light.
Chemoreceptors: Detect chemicals (e.g., taste and smell).
mechano: touch, pressure, vibration
thermo: temp
photo: light (sight)
chemo: chemicals (taste and smell)
Refers to the spatial mapping of the stimulus to specific sensory receptors. Which type of information is this
location
____ Principle:
Each receptor has a specific neural pathway leading to a specific part of the brain.
Example: Stimulation of the retina sends signals to the visual cortex.
Labeled Lines
Encodes the strength of the stimulus (e.g., brightness of light, loudness of sound). This refers to what type of information?
Intensity
Stronger stimuli produce ____ firing rates.
higher
More receptors are activated with ____ stimuli.
stronger
Encodes when a stimulus starts and stops. What piece of information is this?
Timing
Duration Perception determines:
Temporal Patterns involved:
length of a stimulus, like sound
rhythmic vibrations
Mechanism of Transduction for mechanoreceptors is
Mediated by ____ ion channels
stretch activated
mechanoreceptor transduction steps
What are the 2 steps?
Mechanical deformation (e.g., pressure) opens ion channels.
Allows ions (e.g., Na⁺, Ca²⁺) to flow, generating an electrical signal.
Mechanoreceptors in the Pacinian Corpuscles
Location:
Deep in the dermis.
Function of mechanoreceptors in Pacinian Corpuscles:
Detect vibration and deep pressure.
Rapidly adapting (fires only at the onset and offset of stimuli).
Specialized Structure in pacinian corpuscles:
onion-like layers around the nerve ending enhance sensitivity to rapid changes.
Mechanoreceptors in the Ruffini Endings
Location: ____
Function:
____ and ____
____ adapting (maintains response as long as the stimulus is present).
deep in dermis
detect skin stretch, info about limb position and object shape
slow adapting
Mechanoreceptors in the Meissner’s Corpuscles
Location: ____.
Function:
____ and ____
____ adapting (responsive to changes in touch).
surface of skin
detect light touch, texture
rapidly adapting