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module 3: sensory systems Flashcards

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1
Q

What do receptor cells within sensory receptor organs do?

A

Convert a sensory stimulus into an electrical signal

This process is essential for sensory perception.

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2
Q

Are receptor organs uniform or diverse?

A

Very diverse

There are many types of receptor organs adapted for different functions.

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3
Q

What types of energy need different receptor organs to convert them into neural activity?

A

Light and sound

Each type of energy has specialized receptors for effective conversion.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: Different sensory information needs different _______ to convert them into neural activity.

A

[receptors]

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5
Q

What initiates action potentials in different receptors?

A

Different receptors initiate action potentials as the method of communication about the signal they have sensed.

Action potentials are electrical signals that are generated by neurons in response to stimuli.

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6
Q

How are different messages differentiated in the nervous system?

A

Different messages are differentiated by using different pathways to convey the message through the nervous system.

Pathways refer to the routes taken by signals as they travel through the nervous system.

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7
Q

What is sensory transduction?

A

Conversion of electrical energy from a stimulus into a change in membrane potential in a receptor cell.

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8
Q

What role do receptor cells play in sensory transduction?

A

Receptor cells are transducers.

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9
Q

What are receptor potentials also known as?

A

Generator potentials.

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10
Q

What are receptor potentials?

A

Local changes in membrane potential.

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11
Q

What is the role of sensory pathways in the brain?

A

Each sensory system has a distinct sensory pathway and passes through stations during processing.

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12
Q

Where do most sensory pathways pass through?

A

Most sensory pathways pass through regions of the thalamus.

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13
Q

Where do sensory pathways terminate?

A

Sensory pathways terminate in the cerebral cortex.

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14
Q

How does a single neuron convey stimulus intensity?

A

By changing the frequency of its action potentials.

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15
Q

What happens as the stimulus strengthens in terms of neuron activity?

A

More neurons are recruited.

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16
Q

What is range fractionation?

A

It takes place when different cells have different thresholds for firing, over a range of stimulus intensities.

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17
Q

What is the term for the progressive loss of response to a maintained stimulus?

A

Adaptation

Adaptation occurs when the sensory receptors become less responsive to a constant stimulus over time.

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18
Q

What type of receptors show slow or no decline in action potential frequency?

A

Tonic receptors

Tonic receptors are responsible for monitoring continuous stimuli and do not adapt quickly.

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19
Q

What type of receptors display adaptation and decrease frequency of action potentials?

A

Phasic receptors

Phasic receptors are designed to detect changes in stimuli rather than constant stimuli.

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20
Q

What is pain?

A

An unpleasant experience associated with tissue damage.

Pain serves as a protective mechanism.

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21
Q

What are the functions of pain?

A

Pain helps us to:
* Withdraw from its source
* Engage in recuperative actions
* Signal others

These functions are critical for survival and recovery.

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22
Q

What are nociceptors?

A

Peripheral receptors that respond to painful stimuli.

Nociceptors play a key role in the perception of pain.

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23
Q

Where are free nerve endings located?

A

In the dermis.

Free nerve endings are involved in sensing various stimuli.

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24
Q

What do free nerve endings in the dermis have?

A

Specialized receptor proteins.

These proteins allow the nerve endings to respond to different stimuli.

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25
What do different free nerve endings produce?
Different receptor proteins to respond to: * Temperature changes * Chemicals * Pain ## Footnote This diversity allows the nervous system to detect various types of stimuli effectively.
26
What neurotransmitter do peripheral fibres likely use to excite spinal cells in the dorsal horn?
Glutamate ## Footnote Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter involved in excitatory signaling in the nervous system.
27
What neuropeptide is released by peripheral fibres?
Substance P ## Footnote Substance P is involved in the transmission of pain and other sensory signals.
28
What effect does substance P have on postsynaptic neurons?
Remodel dendrites ## Footnote This remodeling may influence pain perception and sensitivity.
29
True or False: Peripheral fibres only release glutamate.
False ## Footnote Peripheral fibres release both glutamate and substance P.
30
Fill in the blank: Peripheral fibres release _______ to excite spinal cells.
glutamate
31
Fill in the blank: The neuropeptide released by peripheral fibres is _______.
substance P
32
What is neuropathic pain also known as?
Phantom limb pain
33
What may cause neuropathic pain?
Inappropriate signalling of pain by neurons
34
What do microglial cells release that affects dorsal horn neurons?
Chemicals that make the neurons hyperexcitable
35
What condition can microglial cell activity contribute to?
Chronic pain
36
Is phantom limb pain easy to treat?
No, it is difficult to treat
37
What is one idea proposed for treating phantom limb pain?
Visual stimulation
38
What are the two types of photoreceptor cells in the retina?
Rods and cones ## Footnote Photoreceptors are crucial for converting light into neural signals.
39
What is the function of the scotopic system?
Works in dim light ## Footnote The scotopic system primarily utilizes rods for vision in low-light conditions.
40
What is the function of the photopic system?
Requires more light and allows for color vision ## Footnote The photopic system primarily utilizes cones for vision in well-lit conditions.
41
What happens at moderate light levels regarding photoreceptors?
Both rods and cones function ## Footnote This indicates a transitional phase where both systems can contribute to visual processing.
42
What does the auditory system perceive as sound?
Repetitive patterns of local increases and decreases in air pressure ## Footnote This perception is fundamental to how we experience sound.
43
What is amplitude or intensity perceived as?
Loudness, expressed in decibels (dB) ## Footnote Amplitude is a key factor in determining how loud a sound is perceived.
44
How is frequency defined in the context of sound?
Number of cycles per second of vibration, measured in hertz (Hz) ## Footnote Frequency is crucial for determining the pitch of the sound.
45
What role does the external ear play in hearing?
Funnels sound waves into the ear canal ## Footnote The shape of the external ear enhances the collection of sound waves.
46
How does the shape of the external ear affect sound?
Modifies the character of sound ## Footnote This modification can influence how sounds are perceived.
47
What unique ability do other mammals have regarding their pinnae?
Shape and swivel their pinnae to help determine the source of a sound ## Footnote This ability aids in sound localization.
48
Where are hair cells located in the auditory system?
Embedded in the basilar membrane ## Footnote Hair cells are essential for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.
49
What happens to the basilar membrane when high frequency sound is present?
Displaces the narrow base of the basilar membrane ## Footnote This displacement is crucial for the perception of high frequencies.
50
What effect does low frequency sound have on the basilar membrane?
Displaces the wider apex ## Footnote This mechanism allows us to perceive lower frequencies.
51
What is tonotopic organization in the auditory pathway?
Arrangement in a map according to the frequencies to which they respond ## Footnote This organization is present at all levels of the auditory pathway.
52
What can cause sensorineural deafness?
Loud noise exposure, metabolic problems, infections, toxins, trauma, hereditary disorders ## Footnote These factors can lead to irreversible damage to the auditory system.
53
What are ototoxic effects?
Ear-damaging effects due to drugs ## Footnote An example includes the drug streptomycin.
54
What can noise pollution and loud sounds damage?
Hair cells ## Footnote Damage to hair cells in the inner ear can lead to hearing loss.
55
What sensation is associated with hair cell damage from loud sounds?
Tinnitus ## Footnote Tinnitus is characterized by a sensation of noises or ringing in the ears.
56
True or False: Only hereditary disorders can lead to sensorineural deafness.
False ## Footnote Sensorineural deafness can also result from environmental factors and other health issues.
57
Fill in the blank: Ototoxic effects may be due to drugs, such as _______.
streptomycin ## Footnote Streptomycin is an antibiotic known for its ototoxic properties.
58
What is the second-leading cause of death from all diseases?
Dementia ## Footnote Dementia is also the leading cause of death for women.
59
What is the leading cause of death for women?
Dementia ## Footnote Dementia is the second-leading cause of death overall.
60
Is a significant portion of dementia risk modifiable?
Yes ## Footnote This indicates that there are actions that can be taken to reduce the risk.
61
What is the biggest modifiable risk factor for dementia?
Hearing loss ## Footnote Addressing hearing loss may help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
62
What causes pain that doesn't respond to endorphins or morphine in cut nerves?
Spontaneous firing from a cut nerve ## Footnote Endorphins and morphine act distal to the part that's been cut.
63
What is theorized to cause human phantom limb pain?
Alterations to a region’s cortical representation zone ## Footnote This refers to changes in how the brain represents the missing limb.
64
What is a simplified explanation for cortical reorganization in some patients?
It has an epiphenomenal side effect – referred pain associated with the missing site ## Footnote This means that changes in brain representation can lead to pain in areas related to the missing limb.
65
What treatment strategies have been developed for phantom limb pain?
Active stimulation of the phantom limb ## Footnote This involves engaging the brain in ways that may alleviate the pain experienced.
66
What association was found regarding myoelectric prosthetics?
Positively associated with less phantom limb pain and less cortical reorganization ## Footnote Myoelectric prosthetics may help in reducing pain and stabilizing brain representation.

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