Sensory Systems Flashcards

Front

Stimulus

Back

A change or event in the environment that can elicit a sensory response, such as light, sound, heat, pressure, or chemical signals.

Front

Sensory Receptor (Receptor)

Back

Specialized cells or structures that detect specific types of stimuli and convert them into electrical signals for the brain.

Front

Energy Transduction

Back

The process by which sensory receptors convert external stimuli into electrical signals that can be processed by the nervous system.

Front

Receptor Potential

Back

A small, graded electrical change in a sensory receptor due to stimulus detection, proportional to stimulus intensity.

Front

Sensation

Back

The raw data or information about the environment detected by sensory receptors and sent to the brain for interpretation.

Front

Sensory Adaptation

Back

The process by which a sensory receptor becomes less responsive to a constant stimulus over time.

Front

Photoreceptors

Back

Detect light, found in the retina of the eye.

Front

Mechanoreceptors

Back

Detect mechanical pressure or distortion, found in the skin, ears, and other parts.

Front

Thermoreceptors

Back

Detect temperature changes.

Front

Chemoreceptors

Back

Detect chemical substances, found in the nose and taste buds.