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Questions and Answers
Which of the following are classified as general senses? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are classified as general senses? (Select all that apply)
The size of a receptor's receptive field has no impact on the accuracy of stimulus localization.
The size of a receptor's receptive field has no impact on the accuracy of stimulus localization.
False
What is the primary function of general sensory receptors?
What is the primary function of general sensory receptors?
To detect and respond to specific stimuli in the environment.
The area monitored by a single receptor cell is called its __________.
The area monitored by a single receptor cell is called its __________.
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Match the following components of the nervous system with their functions:
Match the following components of the nervous system with their functions:
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What is the characteristic of nociceptors?
What is the characteristic of nociceptors?
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Thermoreceptors are more numerous for warm sensations than for cold sensations.
Thermoreceptors are more numerous for warm sensations than for cold sensations.
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What type of receptors are proprioceptors and what do they monitor?
What type of receptors are proprioceptors and what do they monitor?
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Baroreceptors adapt quickly and monitor changes in __________ in organs.
Baroreceptors adapt quickly and monitor changes in __________ in organs.
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Match the type of receptor with its primary function:
Match the type of receptor with its primary function:
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Which type of adaptation involves a change in receptor activity at the peripheral level?
Which type of adaptation involves a change in receptor activity at the peripheral level?
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All mechanoreceptors in the skin are considered tactile receptors.
All mechanoreceptors in the skin are considered tactile receptors.
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The free nerve endings in the skin are sensitive to touch and __________.
The free nerve endings in the skin are sensitive to touch and __________.
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Study Notes
Sensory Systems
- Sensory receptors detect stimuli and transmit this information to the central nervous system (CNS).
- The somatic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary movement and sensory information from the body.
- General senses are receptors scattered throughout the body and deal with things such as temperature, pain, touch, pressure, vibration, proprioception (position sense), and the detection of chemicals.
- Special senses are housed in specialized organs and include smell, taste, vision, hearing, and balance.
- Receptor sensitivity depends on the organization of the receptor.
- Receptive fields are the areas monitored by individual receptor cells. Small receptive fields help in accurate localization of stimuli (e.g., fingertips), while large receptive fields provide less precise information (e.g., upper arm).
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Adaptation occurs when the sensitivity of a receptor decreases in the presence of a constant stimulus.
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Peripheral adaptation involves changes in the activity of the receptor itself. This can be:
- Fast-adapting receptors (phasic) which quickly decrease activity in response to a stimulus (e.g., touch receptors).
- Slow-adapting receptors (tonic) which remain active as long as the stimulus is present (e.g., pain receptors).
- Central adaptation refers to adaptation happening in the central nervous system, often through conscious or unconscious suppression of signals from a receptor.
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Peripheral adaptation involves changes in the activity of the receptor itself. This can be:
Receptors
- Nociceptors are pain receptors. They are free nerve endings found in skin, joints, bones, and blood vessels. They do not adapt, which serves to remind us of injury or inflammation.
- Thermoreceptors are temperature receptors. They are also free nerve endings mainly located in the dermis, skeletal muscle, liver, and hypothalamus. Cold receptors outnumber warm receptors. They are more active when temperature is changing and adapt quickly to a stable temperature.
- Baroreceptors monitor pressure changes in organs and adapt quickly. They are crucial for monitoring blood pressure in major blood vessels like the aorta and carotid arteries.
- Proprioceptors sense body position. They are internal receptors that provide information about joint position, tendon tension, and muscle contraction. This information is processed subconsciously (tonic) and plays a role in the sense of equilibrium alongside the inner ear.
- Chemoreceptors detect small chemical concentration changes, such as in pH, CO2, and O2 levels. They are important for informing respiratory centers in the brain.
Tactile Receptors in the Skin:
- Free Nerve Endings are sensitive to touch and pressure and are also present as nociceptors and thermoreceptors.
- Root Hair Plexus is associated with hairs. These receptors monitor distortions and movements across the skin surface and adapt quickly.
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Description
This quiz explores the intricate workings of sensory systems, including sensory receptors, the somatic nervous system, and the distinction between general and special senses. Understand how receptor sensitivity and receptive fields influence our ability to perceive stimuli in the environment.
