Psychology Lesson 12: Sensation and Perception

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the dorsal part of the mid-insula?

Representing taste information from the thalamus (correct)

Processing smell information

Integrating somatosensory inputs

Regulating hunger levels

What is the term for the combination of gustatory and olfactory properties that describe the sensation of a food?

Flavor (correct)

Taste

Aroma

Smell

What type of neurons respond to both taste and smell stimuli?

Unimodal neurons

Multimodal neurons

Bimodal neurons (correct)

Polymodal neurons

Where is the insular cortex located in the brain?

Between the frontal and temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the thalamus in the taste pathway?

Transmitting taste information to the cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sensation that results from the combination of taste and other sensory inputs, such as burning from hot peppers?

Flavor Signup and view all the answers

Where does higher-order processing of olfactory information occur?

Prefrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is a common observation in individuals with PTSD?

Hyperactivity in the amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What is affected in individuals with PTSD, leading to difficulties in encoding and retrieving olfactory memories?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to difficulties in regulating emotional responses to olfactory cues in individuals with anxiety disorders?

Dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason why crushing a solid spice makes it smell stronger?

More molecules are released into the air Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for smell to occur?

Free molecules in the air Signup and view all the answers

What happens to odorants emitted by food when we chew and swallow?

They are forced up behind the palate and enter the nose from the back. Signup and view all the answers

What influences the pleasantness of food?

The expectations we have about the food. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain regions are involved in appetite control?

Amygdala, hippocampus, insula, striatum, and orbitofrontal cortex. Signup and view all the answers

Why do foods with complex textures tend to leave us feeling fuller?

Because they create more neural responses while chewing, making us feel like we've eaten more. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between energy expenditure and appetite?

Following significant energy expenditure, we feel hungry. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to appetite following a meal?

Appetite is suppressed and we feel full. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neural Impulses and Taste Pathways

The medulla, solitary nucleus, and thalamus are involved in taste pathways.
The gustatory cortex, located between the frontal and temporal lobes, receives taste information from the thalamus.

Insular Cortex and Taste

The insular cortex is located behind the frontal and temporal cortexes and receives input from all over the brain regarding bodily sensations.
The dorsal (top) part of the mid-insula is where taste information from the thalamus is represented in the brain.

Taste and Smell

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) integrates taste and smell information, as well as other sensations, to create the sensation of flavor.
Bimodal neurons in the OFC respond to both taste and smell, as well as taste and vision.
The firing of these neurons is affected by the level of hunger, and foods can taste different when hungry.

Smell, Memory, and Emotions

The prefrontal cortex is involved in higher-order processing of olfactory information, integrating sensory and emotional information, and interpreting emotional significance.
The amygdala is involved in emotional responses to smells, and individuals with PTSD may exhibit hyperactivity in this area.
The hippocampus is involved in encoding and retrieving olfactory memories, and dysfunction in this area can affect emotional responses to olfactory cues.

Flavor and Retronasal Olfaction

Retronasal olfaction occurs when odorants from food are forced up behind the palate and enter the nose from the back, integrating with taste information to create flavor.
Flavor provides information about the food being eaten.

Appetite and Food Consumption

Appetite is influenced by expectations, such as the presentation of food or the price of a meal.
Key areas involved in appetite control include the amygdala, hippocampus, insula, striatum, and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC).
Texture affects appetite, with complex textures creating more neural responses and leading to feelings of fullness.

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Description

Learn about the neural impulses, brain regions, and pathways involved in sensation and perception, including the role of the medulla, thalamus, gustatory cortex, and insular cortex. Test your knowledge of the human body and chemical senses.