PSY 436LEC Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Periaqueductal Gray, Sensory System, Sensory Neuron
Document Summary
Perception: the subjective experience of the transduction of sensory stimuli. Sensory receptors: specialized cells that convert physical energy. (eg photons of light, sound waves, etc. ) into neural activity (ie changes in membrane potentials) 6 general principles of sensory receptors: receptors transduce energy. Sweet: receptors are energy filters - respond to only a narrow band of energy, receptive fields locate sensory events. Receptive field: specific part of the world to which is a sensory receptor responds. Helps locate sensory events in space: receptor density determines sensitivity. 2-point sensitivity: ability to recognize the presence of 2 points close together. Forvea - density of cone cells, ability to make sensitive color discrimination in bright light: receptors identify change and constancy. Rapidly updating receptors - detect when something is there. Slowly adapting receptors - adapt more slowly to stimulation. Easily activated but stop responding quickly: receptors distinguish self from other. Interoceptive: receptos respond to internal stimuli e. g. , info from muscles, joints, and vestibular system.