Sensory Systems Flashcards
What is sensory transduction?
Conversion of sensory stimulus to neural impulses
What are the first-order cells in sensory pathways?
Sensory receptors
What is the role of the second-order neuron in sensory pathways?
Transmit signals from first-order neurons to the sensory cortex
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a region of space in which the presence of a stimulus will alter the firing of the neuron.
receptive field
What is adaptation in sensory systems?
The process by which sensory receptors become less sensitive to constant stimuli over time
What are the common features of how sensory systems work?
Adaptation, sensory coding, receptive field, topographic organization
What type of map is associated with the visual system?
Retinotopic map
What type of map is associated with the auditory system?
Tonotopic map
What type of map is associated with the somatosensory system?
Somatotopic map
What are the two types of photoreceptors in the eye?
Rods and cones
What do rods in the eye detect?
Dim light
What do cones in the eye detect?
Bright light (RGB)
What is phototransduction?
The process of converting light into electrical signals in photoreceptor cells
What is the visual pathway from the retina to the visual cortex?
Retina -> Optic nerve -> Optic chiasm -> Lateral geniculate body (thalamus) -> Primary visual cortex
What is the hearing range for humans?
20 Hz – 20 kHz
What is the threshold of pain in dB SPL?
130-140 dB SPL
What are the components of the auditory pathway?
Cochlear nucleus, superior olivary complex, inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, auditory cortex
What are the types of somatosensory receptors?
Mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors
What are the two types of afferent fibers for pain perception?
A-delta (myelinated, fast) and C (unmyelinated, slow)
What part of the brain is involved in the olfactory pathway?
Piriform cortex
True or False: The thalamus directly contributes to olfactory processing.
False
What are the five basic taste elements?
Sweet, bitter, sour, salty, umami
What is the gustatory pathway?
Taste bud -> Nucleus of the Solitary Tract -> Ventroposterior medial nucleus (Thalamus) -> Insular cortex
What is a gustotopic map?
A representation of taste in the brain based on the distribution of taste receptors
