Vocab
The senses collect some kind of information from stimuli in the environment and convert it to a signal that can travel to the brain
Sensation
Parallel lines that run away from the viewer seem to get closer together/converge upon one another
Linear Perspective
Specialized visual receptors that play a key role in daytime vision and color vision
Cones
The visible portion of the outer ear; collects sound waves and transmits them toward the eardrum
Pinna
The 5 primary tastes
Salty, sweet, sour, bitter, umami
Process by which we select, organize, and interpret sensory information to recognize meaningful objects and events
Perception
As distance increases, texture gradually becomes denser and less distinct
Specialized visual receptors that play a key role in night vision and peripheral vision
Rods
Fluid-filled, coiled tunnel that contains the receptors for hearing
Cochlea
The sensory system for taste
Gustatory System
Progression from individual elements to the whole; Takes in raw sensory information from the environment and processes it without relying on prior knowledge or expectations
Bottom-Up Processing
The shapes of near objects overlap or mask those of more distant ones
Interposition
The opening in the center of the iris that helps regulate the amount of light that enters the eye
Pupil
Runs the length of the cochlea; contains the auditory receptors (hair cells), that when stimulated, send neural impulses to the brain
Basilar Membrane
The sensory system for smell
Olfactory System
Progression from the whole to the elements; Starts with a larger object, concept, or idea before working our way towards more detailed information. Uses past experiences, context, and expectations
Top-Down Processing
If separate objects are expected to be the same size, the larger ones are seen as closer
Relative Size
The neural tissue lining the back surface of the eye that absorbs light, processes images, and sends visual information to the brain
Retina
The perception of pitch corresponds to the vibration of different portions of the basilar membrane; Hair cells at various locations respond independently
Place Theory
Physical stimuli of this system is mechanical, thermal, and chemical energy that comes in contact with the skin
Touch / Tactile System
Gradual decline in sensitivity to prolonged stimulation
Sensory Adaptation
Near objects are low in the visual field; more distant ones are higher up
Height in Plane
Transparent structure that brings rays of light to a focus on the retina; changes shape to alter visual focus on near or far objects
Lens
Perception of pitch corresponds to the rate at which the entire basilar membrane vibrates
Frequency Theory
The only sensory system that is not routed through the thalamus before the rest of the cortex
Olfactory System