Special Senses Mar 4 Flashcards
What is the role of senses in human perception?
Senses help determine the outside world and inner equilibrium.
What complications can arise from irregular sense stimuli?
They can alter inner equilibrium and affect perception.
Which senses are classified as ‘general’?
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Pain
- Touch
- Position
What is olfaction?
The sense of smell.
What is the function of the olfactory nerve (CN #1)?
Determines thousands of types of smells.
Which part of the brain is olfaction strongly connected to?
Limbic system and hypothalamic region.
What are the three types of cells responsible for olfaction?
- Receptors
- Supporting Cells
- Basal Stem Cells
How does the sense of smell change with age?
It deteriorates with age and neurological diseases.
What are the cranial nerves involved in taste?
- Cranial Nerve #7 (Facial)
- Cranial Nerve #9 (Glossopharyngeal)
- Cranial Nerve #10 (Vagus)
Where are taste buds primarily located?
On the tongue, soft palate, pharynx, and larynx.
What are the five basic taste sensations?
- Sweet
- Sour
- Bitter
- Salty
- Umami
What is the role of the optic nerve (CN #2)?
Connects to the cerebellum and processes visual information.
What are the two main types of receptors in the eye?
- Rods
- Cones
What does the fibrous tunic of the eye consist of?
- Cornea
- Sclera
What is the function of the iris?
Regulates the amount of light entering the inner eye.
What is the purpose of the ciliary body?
Secretes aqueous humor and alters the shape of the lens.
What is near-sightedness?
Image is focused before the back of the eye.
What is far-sightedness?
Image is focused behind the back of the eye.
What are the three small bones in the middle ear called?
- Malleus
- Incus
- Stapes
What is the function of the tympanic membrane?
Acts as a boundary between the external ear and middle ear.
What is the cochlea responsible for?
Contains receptors for hearing.
What are the two types of equilibrium?
- Static equilibrium
- Dynamic equilibrium
What does static equilibrium refer to?
The position of the body relative to the force of gravity.
What does dynamic equilibrium refer to?
The position of the body in response to sudden movements.
What is ‘crude sensation’ in touch?
The ability to understand something is touching the skin without detail.
What is ‘fine sensation’ in touch?
Provides specific information about what is touching the skin.
What factors can impair the sense of touch?
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Trauma
- MS/MD
Fill in the blank: The organ of hearing is called the _______.
Organ of Corti
True or False: The sense of smell is the weakest connection to memories.
False
