Exploring the Science of Smell and Taste

This video from the Mr. Sin channel covers Unit 3, Topic 6 of AP Psychology, focusing on chemical senses, specifically taste and smell. It begins with an introduction to gustation, explaining the role of papillae and how taste signals are processed in the brain. The video then shifts to olfaction, detailing the olfactory system and how smell is perceived. The video concludes by connecting these topics to previous units, emphasizing the importance of action potentials in perceiving stimuli. Viewers are encouraged to practice with questions and explore additional resources for further learning.

What is the term used to describe the sensation of taste?

• Olfaction

• Gustation

• Audition

• Tactition

What are the primary tastes that the papillae help to recognize?

• High, low, soft, loud

• Red, blue, green, yellow

• Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, savory

• Hot, cold, umami, spicy

What are the structures on the tongue known as that contain taste receptors?

• Papillae

• Follicles

• Epidermis

• Dermis

Which part of the brain processes the signals from taste buds?

• Thalamus

• Cerebellum

• Cerebral cortex

• Medulla

Which nerve carries taste signals to the brain?

• Optic nerve

• Auditory nerve

• Spinal nerve

• Facial nerve

What is the role of the olfactory bulb in the process of smelling?

• Transduces smell signals to electrical signals

• Processes visual information

• Controls hearing

• Holds the olfactory receptor cells

Where are the olfactory receptor cells located?

• In the ears

• In the olfactory epithelium

• In the eyes

• On the tongue

Which area of the brain is involved in making memories associated with smells?

• Hippocampus

• Frontal lobe

• Parietal lobe

• Occipital lobe

What triggers an action potential in sensory perception?

• A stimulus reaching a threshold of intensity

• Absence of any stimulus

• A stimulus being below a threshold

• Constant exposure to a stimulus

What happens if a stimulus does not meet the required threshold?

• It is still partially perceived

• It causes discomfort

• It is not perceived

• It enhances other senses