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
Mechanorecpetors in Merkel Discs
Location: ____.
Function:
____
____ adapting (fires continuously during the stimulus).
superficial
detect pressure and texture
slow adapting
Mechanoreceptors - Free Nerve Endings (____)
Function:
____
Types:
Mechanical: ____
Thermal: ____
Chemical: ____
nociceptors, detect pain
physical change, extreme hot or cold, ph change or chemical irritant
Receptive Field:
The specific area of the body or sensory space that a ____.
Smaller receptive fields → ____ spatial resolution (e.g., ____).
Larger receptive fields → ____ resolution (e.g., ____).
a receptor responds to
higher, fingers
lower, back
Two-Point Threshold:
The ____ perceive them as separate points.
Dependent on ____:
High density → ____ threshold (e.g., ____).
Low density → ____ threshold (e.g., ____).
The minimum distance between two stimuli required to perceive them as separate points.
receptor density
small - hands
large - back
Rapidly adapting receptors signal ____, while slow-adapting receptors signal ____.
changes, sustained stimuli
Neural Pathways for Mechanoreception
____ (DRG):
Primary ____ neurons located near the ____.
Receive input from receptors and relay signals to the central nervous system.
____:
Regions of the ____ innervated by specific ____ nerves.
Useful in diagnosing ____ injuries.
dorsal root ganglion
sensory, spinal cord
dermatomes, skin, spinal, spinal
clinical application - disease
Loss of fine touch due to nerve damage or dermatomal pain in ____.
shingles
Incorporating ____ in prosthetics to mimic natural touch sensation is an application of use
mechanoreceptors
Illusions:
Perception can be influenced by ____
Examples:
Kanizsa Illusion: ____.
Laurel vs. Yanny: ____
Pre-existing States:
Attention, mood, or fatigue can alter perception without ____ sensation.
prior expectations or experiences
Perceiving a triangle where none exist
Auditory perception influenced by frequency emphasis.
changing
