Glossery

Question 1

Afferent

Answer 1

A nerve fiber going from the periphery, such as the skin, toward the spinal cord and the brain.

Question 2

Carpals

Answer 2

Eight bones arranged in two rows that form the wrist; the proximal row articulates with the radius and ulna bones in the forearm, and the distal row articulates with the metacarpal bones in the palm of the hand.

Question 3

Corollary Discharges

Answer 3

Copies or correlates of the descending motor signals sent from the brain to the spinal cord; they are transmitted to the sensory areas in the brain.

Question 4

Difference Threshold

Answer 4

Smallest amount of change in a stimulus required to produce a perceptible change in sensation.

Question 5

Dynamic Range

Answer 5

Ratio of the largest to the smallest intensity of a stimulus, measured in decibels. (dB)

Question 6

Eccrine sweat glands

Answer 6

Glands of the body that are involved in temperature regulation through secretion of sweat.

Question 7

Efferent

Answer 7

Outgoing signals, for example, from the brain to the muscles.

Question 8

Epidermis

Answer 8

Outermost layer of skin; provides a protective barrier, preventing loss of moisture and entry of bacteria.

Question 9

Glabrous Skin

Answer 9

Hairless skin found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet that is thicker than hairy skin; in the hand it bends along the flexture lines when an object is grasped.

Question 10

Haptics

Answer 10

Any form of interaction involving touch