L/M
Cones in the visual system that respond maximally to long wavelengths of light (e.g., reds). Also known as L-cones.
long wavelength cones
Also known as pictorial cues, these depth cues only require one eye to understand messages of depth.
monocular depth cues
An X-shaped structure where the optic nerves from each eye cross before the message is sent to the thalamus.
optic chiasm
These cells, also called photosensitive cells, are specifically sensitive to exposure to light.
photoreceptors
The thin layer of tissue on the back of each eye that contains the photosensitive receptor cells.
retina
Receptors in the skin that sense different kinds of pressure.
mechanoreceptors
A stimulus that produces smells that can be perceived by the nose.
odorant
The region of the brain that analyzes both taste and smell.
orbitofrontal cortex
The external part of the ear.
pinna
The difference between the retinal image that falls on both eyes. The brain uses disparity to calculate the distance between an individual and an object.
retinal disparity
The portion of the thalamus that evaluates and organizes auditory information before sending it to the auditory cortex.
medial geniculate nucleus
The tissue that contains the chemoreceptors of the nose.
olfactory mucosa
The three smallest bones in the body. They are responsible for amplifying vibrations arriving at the eardrum and transmitting these signals to the oval window of the cochlea.
ossicles
The theory of audition that suggests we understand pitch because of the location of firing on the basilar membrane.
place theory
The spatial organization of the retinal image is maintained through the visual pathway.
retinotopic organization
Cones in the visual system that respond maximally to medium wavelengths of light (e.g., greens & yellows). Also known as M-cones.
medium wavelength cones
Neurons that are specifically responsive to odorants.
olfactory receptor neurons (ORN)
The little bumps on the surface of the tongue where tastebuds are located.
papillae
A field of psychology that attempts to evaluate the way the physical experience of sensations is translated into perceptions.
psychophysics
One kind of photoreceptor in the retina; it typically is most responsive to low levels of light.
rod
Part of the bipolar layer of the retina. These cells receive signals from cones and send their messages to the small (parvo) ganglion cells.
midget bipolar cells
A theory of color vision that suggests that cells in the visual pathway increase their activation when receiving information from one kind of cone and decrease their activation when they see a second color.
opponent process theory
The processing of stimuli to create a sensory understanding of the world.
perception
The hole in the center of the eye that allows light to enter.
pupil
The structures in the inner ear that sense changes in acceleration and the rotation of the head.
semicircular canals