Sensory Systems Flashcard

Front

What are the auditory ossicles and where are they located?

Back

The auditory ossicles are three small bones in the middle ear known as the malleus, incus, and stapes. They play a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Front

What is the function of the Eustachian tube?

Back

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the pharynx and helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum, which is essential for proper hearing.

Front

What are the primary taste sensations?

Back

The primary taste sensations include sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. All of these sensations can be detected by taste buds on the tongue.

Front

What is the fovea centralis and its significance in vision?

Back

The fovea centralis is a small pit in the retina that contains a high concentration of cone cells, making it the region responsible for sharpest vision and color perception.

Front

What is a fissured tongue and what is its most common appearance?

Back

A fissured tongue is a condition characterized by deep grooves or fissures on the surface of the tongue. It most often appears in the form of deep grooves.

Front

What role do the malleus, incus, and stapes play in hearing?

Back

The malleus, incus, and stapes amplify and transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window of the cochlea in the inner ear.

Front

How does the Eustachian tube help in maintaining balance in the ear?

Back

By equalizing pressure in the middle ear, the Eustachian tube helps maintain balance and prevents discomfort during changes in altitude or pressure.

Front

What is the difference between taste and flavor?

Back

Taste refers to the basic sensations detected by taste buds (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami), while flavor is a combination of taste, smell, and other sensory inputs.

Front

What is the structure of the retina and its main functions?

Back

The retina is a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) responsible for converting light into neural signals for vision.

Front

What are the common causes of a fissured tongue?

Back

Common causes of a fissured tongue include genetic factors, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions.