Gustation and Taste Buds Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of gustatory cells?

  • Detect texture of food
  • Regenerate taste receptor cells
  • Transduce taste signals (correct)
  • Support taste bud structure

Which cranial nerve innervates the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

  • Facial nerve (CN VII) (correct)
  • Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
  • Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
  • Vagus nerve (CN X)

Which type of papillae is primarily involved in tasting and is found on the anterior margin of the tongue?

  • Circumvallate papillae
  • Filiform papillae
  • Fungiform papillae (correct)
  • Foliate papillae

Which type of gustatory cell responds specifically to sour stimuli?

<p>Type III cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the life span of a taste receptor cell approximately?

<p>10 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do tastants interact with gustatory receptor cells?

<p>Via taste pores in taste buds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tastes is specifically stimulated by chemical salts?

<p>Salty (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature distinguishes circumvallate papillae from other types?

<p>They form an inverted 'V' shape (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do basal cells serve in taste buds?

<p>Regenerate taste receptor cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve innervates the epiglottis and lower pharynx?

<p>Vagus nerve (CN X) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gustatory cells are responsible for sensing salty tastes?

<p>Type I cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the perception of sour taste?

<p>Free H+ ions blocking K+ channels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of taste receptor is activated by amino acids, especially glutamate?

<p>Umami receptors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gustatory cells respond to bitter tastes and how many differing receptors do they contain?

<p>Type II cells; ~50-100 receptors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which taste is influenced by olfactory receptors in addition to primary taste receptors?

<p>Overall taste perception (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the myth associated with the taste bud tongue map proposed in 1901?

<p>Different regions of the tongue are solely responsible for specific tastes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is NOT associated with the activation of GPCR for taste perception?

<p>Type I cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the eye includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid?

<p>Vascular tunic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What flavor does the chemical group linked to alkaloids represent?

<p>Bitter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the protective structures of the eye?

<p>Lubricating the eye with tears (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the conjunctiva?

<p>To form a protective layer over the eye (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of visible light is defined as the distance between two wave peaks?

<p>Wavelength (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure is responsible for producing sebum to prevent tear overflow?

<p>Tarsal glands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the eye does the conjunctiva NOT cover?

<p>The cornea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical term for the space between the eyelids?

<p>Palpebral fissure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium makes up the conjunctiva?

<p>Stratified squamous epithelium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of a photon is represented by the amplitude of light waves?

<p>Intensity of the light (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of lacrimal fluids?

<p>To lubricate the anterior surface of the eye (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ciliary body?

<p>To produce aqueous humor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the intake of light into the eye?

<p>Cornea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the lens when the ciliary muscles are contracted?

<p>The lens thickens. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are rods primarily located within the retina?

<p>Throughout the peripheral retina (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of the iris?

<p>Controls the amount of light entering the eye (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the retinal pigment epithelial cells?

<p>Store and recycle vitamin A (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of high convergence in terms of visual acuity?

<p>Lower acuity due to larger receptive fields (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During accommodation, what occurs for distant vision?

<p>Ciliary muscles relax, lens becomes flat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of light does rhodopsin in rods primarily respond to?

<p>A wide range of wavelengths from 400 nm to 600 nm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the blind spot in the retina?

<p>Contains no photoreceptors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for differences in color perception?

<p>The ratio of stimulation among cone types (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological process allows the eye to adjust to low light conditions?

<p>Dark adaptation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure acts as the gelatinous fluid filling the posterior cavity of the eye?

<p>Vitreous humor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the neural layer of the retina?

<p>Conversion of light energy into nerve signals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of papillae is primarily responsible for texture perception rather than taste?

<p>Filiform (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of gustatory cell serves as the stem cell within the taste buds?

<p>Type IV (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural feature of circumvallate papillae that distinguishes them from other types?

<p>Deep, narrow depression surrounding them (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for innervating the posterior one-third of the tongue?

<p>Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifespan of a taste receptor cell?

<p>10 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What activates the depolarization in Type II gustatory cells responsible for sweet taste?

<p>Specific configuration of glucose (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gustatory cell type is primarily responsible for sensing salty tastes?

<p>Type I cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell in the gustatory system transduces sweet and umami tastes?

<p>Type II (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is involved in the perception of sour flavors?

<p>Blocking of K+ channels by H+ ions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon do gustatory signals primarily add dimensions to, influencing our taste experience?

<p>Pleasantness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What taste receptor cell type is associated with a diverse range of bitter taste stimuli?

<p>Type II cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which papillae type functions mostly during infancy and early childhood but is less developed in adults?

<p>Foliate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do axons of gustatory sensory neurons project after contacting the gustatory cells?

<p>Medulla Oblongata (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception was popularized by D. Hänig's 1901 publication regarding taste perception?

<p>Specific regions of the tongue are solely responsible for different tastes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the gustatory microvilli of gustatory cells primarily interact with?

<p>Saliva and tastants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do olfactory receptors play in taste perception?

<p>They contribute additional flavor information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which taste is specifically linked to amino acids like glutamate?

<p>Umami (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding Type III gustatory cells?

<p>They respond to free H+ ions causing sour taste perception. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the tarsal glands located in the eyelids?

<p>To produce sebum and prevent tear overflow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the eye is responsible for providing structural support and includes the sclera and cornea?

<p>Fibrous tunic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the conductive path of light affect our vision?

<p>By controlling the intensity of light hitting the retina (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do goblet cells play in the conjunctiva?

<p>Lubricating and moistening the eye (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the lacrimal apparatus?

<p>To produce, collect, and drain tears (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of visible light is determined by its wavelength?

<p>The color perception (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two parts make up the conjunctiva?

<p>Ocular and palpebral (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the amplitude of light waves represent?

<p>The intensity of light (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structures primarily cushion the eye within the orbit of the skull?

<p>Orbital fat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What forms the continuous lining over the external surface of the eye?

<p>Conjunctiva (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the lacrimal gland in eye function?

<p>Produces tears that cleanse and moisten the eye surface (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure provides the main protective function for the eye?

<p>Sclera (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal function of the ciliary body?

<p>To produce aqueous humor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the fovea centralis?

<p>It is the area of sharpest vision due to a high concentration of cones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of muscle regulates the size of the pupil?

<p>Sphincter pupillae and dilator pupillae (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs when the ciliary muscles contract?

<p>The lens becomes round to accommodate near vision (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between rods and cones in the retina?

<p>Rods are responsible for low light vision and are concentrated in the peripheral retina (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of refraction affect light as it enters the eye?

<p>Light bends when passing through different media, focusing on the retina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during dark adaptation in the eyes?

<p>Rods adjust to low light conditions more slowly than cones (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the color perception in human vision?

<p>The stimulation ratios of different cone types in response to light (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of photosensitive ganglionic cells in the retina?

<p>Regulate the release of melatonin from the pineal gland (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the optic disc?

<p>Area devoid of photoreceptors where the optic nerve exits the retina (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the anterior chamber of the anterior cavity of the eye?

<p>Serves as a space between the cornea and iris filled with aqueous humor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when light transitions from air into the cornea?

<p>It slows down, leading to light bending (refraction) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Gustation

The sense of taste, detecting chemicals by chemoreceptors in the oral cavity.

Taste buds locations

Found on papillae, primarily on the tongue's anterior surface, and soft palate.

Gustatory cells

Taste receptor cells within taste buds; have microvilli extending into taste pores.

Papillae types

Filiform (texture, no taste buds), Fungiform (mushroom-shaped, taste), Circumvallate (inverted 'V', mostly taste), Foliate (leaf-like, mostly in children).

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Filiform Papillae

Thread-like papillae on the anterior 2/3rds of tongue, no taste buds, but detect texture and food manipulation.

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Circumvallate Papillae

Large papillae arranged in a V shape on the back of tongue, high concentration of taste buds.

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Fungiform Papillae

Mushroom-shaped papillae on the anterior tongue, containing taste buds.

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Taste pathways

Facial nerve (CN VII) for anterior 2/3rds and glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) for posterior 1/3rd. Signals travel to thalamus, then taste cortex and limbic/hypothalamus

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Salty Taste

Detected by Na+ ions interacting with specific receptors on gustatory cells.

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Taste Pore

Opening in the taste bud allowing dissolved tastants contact gustatory cells.

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Sour Taste

Caused by free H+. H+ blocks K+ channels, reducing K+ movement on Type III gustatory cells.

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Sweet Taste

Triggered by a specific glucose configuration. Activates GPCR and causes depolarization through a second messenger cascade on Type II gustatory cells.

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Umami Taste

Triggered by amino acids, especially glutamate. Activates GPCR and causes depolarization through a second messenger cascade on Type II gustatory cells.

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Bitter Taste

Chemically diverse group (alkaloids). Activates GPCR and causes depolarization. Type II gustatory cells contain multiple receptors.

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Type I Gustatory Cells

Cells responsible for detecting salty tastes.

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Type III Gustatory Cells

Cells responsible for detecting sour tastes.

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Type II Gustatory Cells

Cells responsible for detecting sweet, umami, and bitter tastes.

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Eye's Principal Layers

The eye has three main layers: fibrous tunic (outer), vascular tunic (middle), and nervous tunic (inner).

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Fibrous Tunic

The outermost layer of the eye, containing the sclera (white of the eye) and cornea (transparent front part).

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Vascular Tunic

The middle layer of the eye, including the iris (colored part), ciliary body (muscle that controls lens shape), and choroid (vascular layer that provides blood supply).

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Nervous Tunic

The innermost layer of the eye, containing the retina (light-sensitive layer) and optic nerve (carries visual signals to the brain).

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Visible Light

A small range of the electromagnetic spectrum that we can see, made up of photons that travel as waves.

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Wavelength (Visible Light)

The distance between two peaks of a light wave, and it determines the energy of the photon.

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Amplitude (Visible Light)

The height difference between the peak and trough of a light wave, determining how bright the light is.

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Eyebrows

Thick row of short hairs above the eye that help prevent sweat from dripping into the eyes.

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Eyelashes

Short hairs on the eyelid margin that help block large foreign objects from entering the eye.

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Tarsal Glands

Glands within the eyelids that produce sebum, a substance that helps prevent tears from overflowing and keeps eyelids from sticking together.

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What are tears composed of?

Tears are a watery fluid containing antibacterial lysozyme, electrolytes, and other components.

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Where are tears produced?

Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, located in the superolateral depression of each orbit.

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What is the pathway of tears?

Tears flow from the lacrimal gland, across the eye surface, through the lacrimal puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and duct, finally reaching the nasal cavity.

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What is the sclera?

The sclera is the tough, white outer layer of the eye.

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What is the cornea?

The cornea is the transparent, convex structure at the front of the eye.

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What does the cornea do?

The cornea allows light to enter the eye and helps focus it.

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What are extrinsic eye muscles?

These muscles are attached to the sclera and control eye movement.

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What is the choroid?

The choroid is the vascular layer that nourishes the retina.

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What is the ciliary body?

The ciliary body produces aqueous humor and contains muscles that control lens shape.

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What is the iris?

The iris is the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering.

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What is the pupil?

The pupil is the opening in the center of the iris through which light passes.

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What is the retina?

The retina is the innermost layer of the eye, containing photoreceptor cells that convert light into nerve signals.

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What are photoreceptor cells?

Rods and cones are photoreceptor cells that convert light into nerve signals.

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What is the optic disc?

The optic disc is the blind spot where the nerve signals leave the eye.

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What is the fovea centralis?

The fovea centralis is a pit containing mostly cones, responsible for sharp central vision.

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What is gustation?

The sense of taste, which involves detecting chemicals (tastants) by specialized chemoreceptors in the oral cavity.

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Papillae: What are they?

Tiny bumps on the tongue that contain taste buds. They help with taste perception and food manipulation.

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Taste Bud Structure

A cluster of specialized gustatory cells responsible for taste perception. They have taste pores that allow tastants to interact with the gustatory cells.

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What are taste pores?

Openings on the surface of taste buds that allow dissolved tastants to come into contact with gustatory cells.

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Salty Taste Pathway

Sodium ions (Na+) stimulate Type I gustatory cells, triggering a nerve signal to the brain.

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What do circumvallate papillae do?

These large, circular papillae on the back of the tongue have a high concentration of taste buds, playing a significant role in taste perception.

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How does the gustatory pathway work?

Taste signals travel from gustatory cells through cranial nerves (VII, IX, X) to the medulla oblongata, then to the thalamus and finally to the gustatory cortex in the brain.

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Why is the olfactory system important for gustation?

The sense of smell (olfaction) complements taste, enhancing flavor perception. It can even influence our perception of taste.

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What are the five primary tastes?

The five primary tastes are sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Each taste is detected by specific receptors on different types of gustatory cells.

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What are gustatory cells?

Gustatory cells are taste receptor cells found in taste buds. They have microvilli that extend into taste pores, which allow dissolved molecules to reach the receptors.

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What is the tongue map myth?

The tongue map myth suggests specific regions of the tongue are dedicated to specific taste sensations. This is false; all taste buds can detect all five tastes.

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Conjunctiva

A thin transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the front of the eye, except the cornea.

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Lacrimal Apparatus

A system of glands, ducts, and canals responsible for producing, collecting, and draining tears from the eye.

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Lacrimal Fluids (Tears)

A fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands that lubricates the outer surface of the eye.

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Eye's Outermost Layer

The fibrous tunic, composed of the sclera (white of the eye) and cornea (transparent front part), forms the eye's protective outer layer.

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Eye's Middle Layer

The vascular tunic, containing the iris (colored part), ciliary body (muscle controlling lens shape), and choroid (vascular layer providing blood supply), is responsible for nourishment and light control.

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Eye's Innermost Layer

The nervous tunic, containing the retina (light-sensitive layer) and optic nerve (carries signals to the brain), processes light and sends visual information to the brain.

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Sclera

The tough, white outer layer of the eye that provides shape and protection.

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Cornea's Function

The transparent, convex front part of the eye allows light to enter and focuses it, playing a crucial role in vision.

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What do extrinsic eye muscles do?

These muscles attached to the sclera control eye movement, allowing us to look around.

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Choroid's Role

This vascular layer provides blood supply and nutrients to the retina, ensuring the eye's inner layers are nourished.

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Ciliary Body's Functions

This structure produces aqueous humor (fluid nourishing lens and cornea) and contains muscles controlling the lens shape for focusing.

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Iris' Role

The colored part of the eye, the iris, controls the amount of light entering through the pupil to adjust to different light conditions.

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Pupil's Function

The opening in the center of the iris allows light to pass through to the retina.

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Retina's Role

The innermost layer of the eye, the retina, contains light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) that convert light energy into nerve signals for sight.

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Rods & Cones

These light-sensitive cells in the retina convert light energy into nerve signals. Rods are responsible for dim light vision, while cones are responsible for color vision and sharp details.

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Optic Disc (Blind Spot)

The blind spot on the retina is where the optic nerve leaves the eye, lacking photoreceptor cells.

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Fovea Centralis

This small pit in the retina contains mostly cones, providing our sharpest vision.

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Study Notes

Gustation

  • Sense of taste
  • Chemicals detected by chemoreceptors in the oral cavity
  • Allows sampling of food and drink consumed
  • Aided by the olfactory sense

Organization of Gustatory System

  • Papillae possess taste buds
  • Found on the anterior surface of the tongue and the soft palate
  • Taste buds house gustatory cells (various types) and support cells
  • Gustatory cells are the taste receptor cells

Papillae of the Tongue

  • Foliate: Leaf-like, less developed in humans, functions mostly in infancy and early childhood
  • Filiform: Thread-like, short and spiky, found on anterior 2/3rds of tongue, don't have taste buds, detect texture and manipulate food
  • Circumvallate: Mushroom-shaped, about 10-12, create a boundary between anterior and posterior aspects, great concentration of taste buds
  • Fungiform: Mushroom-shaped, about 300, primarily on anterior margin of tongue, contain a few taste buds

Taste Buds

  • Taste pores open to oral cavity
  • Dissolved taste-producing chemicals (tastants) come into contact with gustatory cells
  • Gustatory cells are packaged in taste buds
  • Basal cells are stem cells
  • Transitional cells are support cells
  • Nerve fibers are found between cells
  • Life span of a taste receptor cell is ~10 days

Gustatory Cells

  • Specialized neuroepithelium
  • Dendritic ending is formed by gustatory microvilli
  • Tastants interact with receptors on microvilli
  • Four types of cells
  • Type I: Respond to Na+ ions (salt)
  • Type II: Transduce sweet, umami, and bitter; use GPCRs to detect tastants
  • Type III: Respond to sour stimuli
  • Type IV: Serves as the stem cell

Gustatory Pathway

  • Gustatory cells contact sensory neurons of the facial nerve (CN VII) and glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
  • CN VII innervates anterior 2/3rds of tongue
  • CN IX innervates posterior 1/3rd of tongue
  • CN X innervates epiglottis and lower pharynx
  • Axons project to medulla oblongata to 2° neurons projecting to thalamus
  • Tertiary neurons to cortical gustatory area
  • Other neurons project from thalamus to hypothalamus and limbic system
  • Processes behavioral aspects associated with taste and smell

Five Primary Tastes

  • Salty: Stimulated by chemical salts, Na+ enters through ENaC channels, found on Type I gustatory cells
  • Sour: Caused by free H+, H+ binds to and blocks K+ channels, reducing passive movement of K+, found on Type III gustatory cells
  • Sweet: Specific configuration of glucose, activates a GPCR to cause depolarization via second messenger cascade, found on Type II gustatory cells
  • Umami: Triggered by amino acids (esp. glutamate), activates a GPCR to cause depolarization via second messenger cascade, found on Type II gustatory cells
  • Bitter: Chemically diverse group (including alkaloids), activates a GPCR to cause depolarization via second messenger cascade, found on Type II gustatory cells

Other Taste Receptors

  • Taste perception influenced by other receptors (especially olfactory)
  • Carbon Dioxide receptor (Car4)
  • Fatty receptors

The Taste Bud Tongue Map Myth

  • 1901 D. Hänig published paper containing data on taste sensitivity in different regions of the tongue
  • Data misinterpreted, leading to the "tongue map" myth

Eye Structure

  • Almost spherical organ
  • Located within the orbit of the skull
  • Cushioned by orbital fat
  • Three principal layers (outside to inside): fibrous, vascular, and nervous

Protective Structures of the Eye

  • Eyebrows: Thick hairs preventing sweat from entering the eyes
  • Eyelashes: Protect the front of the eye from foreign objects
  • Eyelids: Movable coverings of the eye, including the conjunctiva, tarsal glands, and palpebral fissure; prevent tear overflow
  • Lacrimal caruncle: Region medial to eyelids, contains ciliary glands producing a gritty substance

Conjunctiva

  • Specialized stratified squamous epithelium
  • Continuous lining of the external anterior surface of the eye and internal eyelids
  • Two parts (ocular & palpebral conjunctiva)
  • Contains numerous goblet cells and is highly vascular and innervated
  • Doesn't cover cornea

Lacrimal Apparatus

  • Produces, collects, and drains tears
  • Lacrimal fluid lubricates and cleanses the eye surface
  • Contains antibacterial lysozyme
  • Lacrimal gland located in superolateral depression of the orbit, continuously produces tears
  • Blinking washes tears towards lacrimal caruncle
  • Tears pass through lacrimal puncta, canaliculi, into the lacrimal sac, and then through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity

Fibrous (External) Tunic

  • Sclera: Posterior structure, "white" of the eye, continuous with the dura mater that surrounds the optic nerve, providing eye shape and protection; attachment point for extrinsic eye muscles
  • Cornea: Anterior structure, convex transparent structure, composed of epithelium, avascular, supplied nutrients from lacrimal gland (anteriorly) and aqueous humor (posteriorly), allows light passage and refracts light

Extrinsic Eye Muscles

  • Allow eye movement, keeping eyes stable in the orbit
  • Attached to the fibrous tunic

Vascular Tunic

  • Highly vascularized, contains intrinsic muscles of the eye
  • Three parts (Choroid, Ciliary body, and Iris)
  • Choroid: Posterior vascular region; provides nutrients to the retina; many melanocytes to absorb extraneous light
  • Ciliary Body: Anterior to the choroid, contains ciliary muscles that alter the shape of the lens, smooth muscle connected to suspensory ligaments, produces aqueous humor
  • Iris: Anterior structure, colored portion of eye, controls light entering the eye, has two smooth muscles (sphincter and dilator pupillae)-- both with sympathetic innervation

Iris

  • Thin pigmented smooth muscle
  • Controls amount of light entering the eye (through the pupil)
  • Pupil is opening in the center of iris through which light passes
  • Two smooth muscles:
    • Sphincter pupillae—circular, contractile; parasympathetic innervation
    • Dilator pupillae—radial, dilating; sympathetic innervation

Retina

  • Innermost tunic, two layers
  • Pigmented Layer: Adjacent to the choroid, provides Vitamin A to the neural layer, absorbs light before it reaches the neural layer
  • Neural Layer: Innermost layer, contains photoreceptor cells and associated neurons, transduces light energy into nerve signals

Cells of the Neural Layer

  • Photoreceptor Cells: Rods and cones; convert light energy to nerve signals, generate graded potentials
  • Bipolar Cells: Lie between photoreceptors and ganglion cells. Fewer cells than photoreceptors; converge visual input onto the ganglion cells; generate graded potentials
  • Ganglion Cells: Innermost layer of neurons; axons to CNS via optic nerve; generate action potentials
  • Other Cells: Horizontal cells, amacrine cells (integrate visual input between photoreceptors/bipolar/ganglion cells; generate graded potentials

Other Cells

  • Photosensitive ganglionic cells: Found in neural layer, light-sensitive, possess melanopsin, help reset internal circadian clock, regulate pupil size, and regulate melatonin production
  • Retinal pigment epithelial cells: In pigmented layer to capture light, contain melanin

Components of the Retina

  • Distribution of Rods and Cones: Not uniform; cones concentrated in fovea; rods concentrated in periphery
  • Optic Disc: Contains no photoreceptors; point where ganglion axons exit retina to form optic nerve; also known as the "blind spot."
  • Macula Lutea: Directly in line with the pupil, lateral to the optic disc; contains fovea centralis—high concentration of cone cells, area of sharpest vision
  • Peripheral Retina: Contains mostly rods, effective in low light

The Lens

  • Transparent structure focusing light onto the retina
  • Shape determines the degree of refraction
  • Modified by suspensory ligaments and ciliary muscles
  • Accommodation: Flattened lens for distant vision; rounded lens for near vision

Refraction

  • Different mediums affect light speed
  • Light bends (refracts) when transitioning between mediums
  • Lens shape determines the direction of refracted light:
    • Concave lenses cause light to bend away from a focal point
    • Convex lenses cause light to bend toward a focal point

Cavities of the Eye

  • Posterior Cavity: Posterior to the lens and anterior to the retina; filled with vitreous humor (gelatinous fluid); maintains eye shape, holds retina against choroid, transmits light
  • Anterior Cavity: Contains aqueous humor, anterior to the lens and posterior to the cornea; filtrate from blood plasma; produced by ciliary bodies; subdivided into posterior and anterior chambers; provides nutrients to cells of lens and cornea.

Focusing Light on the Retina

  • Bending of light (refraction) to focus on light-sensitive cells of the retina
  • Each structure (and liquid) that the light passes through affects its course
  • Cornea is the initial focusing structure
  • Lens modification (accommodation) adjusts for near or far vision; shapes the lens
  • Focal point of collected light is the fovea centralis—high density of cones

Rods and Cones

  • Rods: One type; outer segment with membrane-bound discs; concentrated in periphery; high sensitivity, low acuity; responsible for vision in dim light; high convergence on ganglion cells
  • Cones: Three types; outer segment with folds of plasma membrane; concentrated in fovea centralis; low sensitivity, high acuity; responsible for color vision; low convergence on ganglion cells

Photopigment

  • Light-absorbing photoreceptor responsible for initiating light energy transduction
  • Found in the membranes of the discs
  • Two parts:
    • Opsin: G-protein coupled receptor; several types, each stimulated over a range of light wavelengths (Rhodopsin in rods, Photopsins in cones)
    • Retinal: Vitamin A derivative; ligand to opsin; two states dependent on light absorption

Color Perception

  • Dependent on the ratio of stimulation of the various types of cones in response to different wavelengths of light
  • Example: Wavelength of 560 nm stimulates red cones maximally, green cones to a lesser degree, and blue cones do not stimulate

Receptive Fields

  • Area where a photon can stimulate a single ganglion cell
  • Larger receptive fields when more photoreceptors converge on a single ganglion cell.
  • Smaller receptive fields when fewer photoreceptors converge on a single ganglion cell.

Convergence and Acuity

  • Acuity is dependent on the number of photoreceptors converging on a single ganglion cell
  • Low convergence yields more acuity
  • High convergence yields less acuity
  • Low convergence yields smaller receptive fields and greater acuity
  • High convergence yields larger receptive fields and reduced acuity

Dark Adaptation

  • Eyes' ability to adjust to low light
  • Dependent on rods and cones
  • Cones adapt quickly, requiring more light
  • Rods adapt slowly, requiring less light
  • Gives rise to photopic (cone-dependent) and scotopic (rod-dependent) vision

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