An adjustment of the senses relative to amount of stimulation (e.g. less sensitive after prolonged exposure)

The smallest change in stimulation that can be detected 50% of the time. Also called the just noticeable difference

Cornea, Pupil, Iris, Lens, Retina, Receptor cells, Fovea

Transparent protective coating over the front of the eye

Small opening in the iris through which light enters the eye

Colored part of the eye

Focuses light onto the retina

Lining of the eye containing; Photoreceptors

Rods and Cones

necessary for night vision

necessary for color vision

Center of the visual field Images that pass through are sharpest here

Light flows to the back of the retina hitting the _________

Rods and cones connect to_____which in turn connect to________

Axons of ganglion cells converge. Carries neural messages from each eye to the brain.

Optic nerve is also…

Point where part of each optic nerve crosses to other side of brain

those that require both eyes

When focused on same object, a slight difference in image is cast on the two retinas

Cues from muscles around the eye cause them to turn inward when focused on nearby objects

Combining of 2 retinal images to create 3D effect

EarDrum, Middle ear, Cochlea, Hair cells, Auditory nerve.

Sound sets off vibration

Contains ossicles (hammer, anvil, and stirrup).

Relay and amplify incoming sound waves

Contains fluid that vibrates

This causes the basilar membrane to vibrate

Cilia fibers move in response to pressure waves.Causes release of neurotransmitter (action potential)

Connection from ear to brain

Provides information to both sides of the brain. Gustation/Taste

29. Receptor cells are located in ____1_ _____ Chemicals (___2___) from food dissolve in saliva and activate receptors

attaches to incoming molecules

activate receptors in the olfactory epithelium

Neural messages then carried to brain

Axons extend to the _______ _____.

the largest sense organ

There are mechanoreceptors for 

Neurotransmitter signals pain to spinal cord

Neurotransmitter inhibits transmission of pain info

Neurological “gate” in spinal cord thought to control transmission of pain

Helps explain biological mediation of pain experience

Multisensory neurons process information from multiple modalities that are spatially related (i.e. within their receptive field).

When Interactions between different sensory modalities  change our perception of events.

When a sensory impression relating to one modality or part of the body is caused by stimulation of another.

The brain's interpretation of sensory information so as to give it meaning

Specialized cells that communicate messages (neurotransmitters) throughout the nervous system

Denfrites, Cell Body (Soma), Axon Myelin

Branch-like structures that carry neural messages from other neurons to the cell body

Contains nucleus which holds our DNA (genetic information)

Carries neural messages away from cell body to the next cell

Protects the axon and speeds up the neural impulse.

The Neural Impulse

The Synapse includes the…

Most active when you are angry, afraid, or aroused. Fight-or-flight response. Increases heart rate and breathing. Stop digestion.

The peripheral nervous system

Calms body. Produces effects opposite of the sympathetic division. Reduces heart rate and breathing. Restores digestion

Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Occipital Lbs, Temporal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Frontal Lobe.

Cerebrum(4 Lobes)

Receives and processes visual information

Receives and processes auditory information Cerebral Cortex (4 Lobes)

Receives sensory information from body

Site of executive functioning.

Controls voluntary movement, attention, setting goals, problem solving, and expression of appropriate emotions.

Hormones & Behaviors

Coordinates and integrates complex psychological reactions using hormones:

- Endocrine glands secrete hormones into bloodstream 

- Organizes nervous system and body

Endocrine System

The primary function of this structure is to conduct electrical signals that help cells communicate

This part of the PNS system is responsible for all voluntary (intentional) movements.

The Cerebral Cortex is composed of many lobes.

These structures secrete hormones into the bloodstream thus regulating nervous system activity and influencing behavior.

This structure speeds up the transmission of action potentials along the axon.

This popular term is often used to describe changes resulting from excitation of the Sympathetic Division

This part of the brain includes structures responsible for basic life support (e.g. breathing).

Sometimes referred to as the "executive control center" this part of the brain controls thinking and behavior (e.g. setting goals, problems solving), and emotional expression.

These glands secrete adrenaline in response to a threat or arousal.

This area comprises the dendrite of one neuron, a space, and the receiving neuron.

This process normally halts when the Sympathetic division is activated to divert oxygen away from the stomach and toward the extremities.

This set of specialized structures in the brain is responsible for learning and emotional behavior.

We process auditory information in this region of the brain just above the ear.

This gland is often referred to as the "master gland" since it often regulates other glands in the endocrine system.

Also known as "firing" this 2 word term describes the movement of charged ions across the axon membrane.

The return to homeostasis, or normal functioning of the body's systems, occurs when this division is activated,

7Sometimes referred to as the "small brain" this structure, just above the brainstem, coordinates body movements.

This is another term that is synonymous with Cerebral Cortex.

Sexual dimorphism suggests increased levels of this hormone tend to be associated with greater risk of aggression in males than females.

These chemical messengers are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic space.

The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions are part of this subsystem of the Peripheral Nervous System. (Hint: Part of the system that operates involuntarily.)

An important structure in the Limbic system which influences fear response.

Even if a person's eyes are functional, serious damage to this region of the brain may render him blind.

These chemicals change the probability that a behavior will occur by controlling bodily functions.