PSYC 211 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Trichromacy, Ganglion Cell Layer, Ganglion Cell

• School: McGill University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 211
• Professor: Yogita Chaudasama

Document Summary

We receive info on the environment from sensory receptors. Sensory receptors: specialized neuron(s) that detect(s) particular category of physical events. Do not confuse sensory receptors with receptors for neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and hormones. Sensory receptors are specialized neurons and the other types of receptors are specialized proteins that bind with certain molecules. Sensory transduction: process where the sensory stimuli event are transferred into slow, graded receptor potentials (changes in the cells membrane potential) Receptor potential: a slow, graded electrical potential produced by a receptor cell in response to a physical stimulus. They affect the release of neurotransmitters, thus modifying the pattern of firing. Vestibular senses: provides with auditory information, the inner ear also provides info about head orientation and movement. Somatosensation: sense of touch, detect changes in pressure, warmth, vibration, cold, events that damage tissue (pain) Large proportion of the brain devoted to the analysis of visual info.