Special Senses Key Concepts

Question 1

Where does the ability to see begin?

Answer 1

The ability to see begins with the conversation of a photon of light to an action potential by a photoreceptor in the retina

Question 2

What are the two types of photoreceptors?

Answer 2

Rods + cones. Rods allow us to see black and white and cones allow us to see colour

Question 3

Where does the action potential (of sight) travel?

Answer 3

the action potential travels along the optic nerve to the visual cortex of the occipital lobe

Question 4

What does hearing involve?

Answer 4

Hearing involves the external, middle and inner regions of the ear

Question 5

Does equilibrium involve the inner ear?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

How is a sound wave converted to an action potential?

Answer 6

By the stereocilia of the hair cell in the organ of corti and the action potential then travels along the cochlear nerve to the auditory cortex of the temporal lobe

Question 7

Dynamic equilibrium

Answer 7

is associated with movement and involves the activation of receptors in the semi-circular canals

Question 8

static equilibrium

Answer 8

is associated with being stationary and involves the activation of receptors in the vestibule