Lesson 6 - Sensory Physiology Flashcards
Who was the first scientist to classify the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch?
Aristotle
This is a branch of biology that studies the functions of sensory organs and their ability to process stimuli from the external environment.
Sensory physiology
Fill in the Blanks:
One’s sense is a system that consists of a __________ that respond to a specific kind of __________, and that correspond to a defined region within the brain where the signals are received and interpreted.
Sensory cell type; Physical energy
What are the 10 senses?
- Sight
- Hearing
- Taste
- Smell
- Touch
- Joint Position
- Vibration
- Temperature
- Pain
- Proprioception
At the cellular level, mechanoreceptors are activated by __________
Changes in pressure
At the cellular level, photoreceptors are activated by __________
Light
At the cellular level, chemoreceptors are activated by __________
Chemicals
At the cellular level, thermoreceptors are activated by __________
Changes in temperature
At the cellular level, nociceptors are activated by __________
Pain caused by extremes of the other senses
This is a process by which a sensory system becomes insensitive to continuous stimulation
Adaptation
In adaptation, __________ is the only sense that does not adapt.
Nociceptors, because it is essential for survival.
This responds to varying intensities and frequencies of pressure.
Tactition (Touch)
Where are tactile receptors for touch found?
Skin, muscles, and viscera
This is found in hairy and glabrous skin on the fingertips. It is able to detect corners, edges, and curves.
Merkel’s disc
This is found in hairy skin for stretching.
Ruffini nerve endings
This is found in glabrous skin (palm and finger). It is the most sensitive.
Pacinian corpuscles
This is found in glabrous skin and is sensitive to dynamic changes in the skin.
Meissner Corpuscle
This is a perceived sensation in response to stimuli that cause tissue damage.
Nociception (Pain)
Where are nociceptors found?
Skin, muscles, joints, and viscera
What are the two types of pain?
- Fast Pain
- Slow Pain
This pain is carried by myelinated Type A-delta fibers.
Fast pain
This pain is carried to unmyelinated Type C fibers.
Slow pain
Where are temperature receptors found?
In the subcutaneous layer of the skin
Cold receptors are sensitive to temperatures __________.
Below 37ºC
Warm receptors are sensitive to temperatures ____________.
Between 35ºC to 45ºC
This is referred to as the body’s internal thermostat.
Hypothalamus