1. SENSATION The basics, vision, and hearing, and the other senses

2. THE BASICS  Sensation- the stimulation of sensory receptors and the transmission of sensory information to the CNS.  Perception- the psychological process through which we interpret sensory information.  Absolute Threshold- the weakest amount of stimulation that can be sensed.  Difference Threshold- the minimum amount of difference that can be detected between two stimuli.

3.  Signal-Detection Theory- a method of distinguishing sensory stimuli that takes into account not only their strengths but also such elements as setting, your physical state, your mood, and attitude.  Sensory Adaptation- the process by which we become more sensitive to weak stimuli and less sensitive to unchanging stimuli.

4.  THE EYE  Pupil- the opening in the center of the eye that adjusts to allow light to enter.  Lens- the transparent structure that focuses light on the retina.  Retina- the inner surface of the eye that processes visual stimuli. VISION

5.  Photoreceptors- neurons sensitive to light.  Colorblindness- partial or total inability to distinguish color.

6.  Pitch- how high or low the sound is dependent upon its frequency of the sound waves.  Loudness- determined by the height or amplitude of sound waves. HEARING

7.  THE EAR  Cochlea- boney tube that contains fluid as well as neurons that move in response to vibrations in the fluids creating neural impulses.  Auditory Nerve- transmits neural impulses to the brain.

8.  SMELL  Olfactory nerve- sends information about odors detected by receptor neurons to the brain.  TASTE- sensed through receptor neurons located on taste buds on the tongue. SMELL, TASTE, AND TOUCH  SKIN SENSES (touch)  Pressure- sensory receptors are located around the roots of hair cells and beneath the skin.  Temperature- receptors are neurons just beneath the skin.  Pain- more receptors in certain areas mean more sensitive that area is.

9.  Vestibular Sense- a sense that provides information about the position of the body. BODY SENSES  Kinesthesis- a sense that provides information about the position and movement of individual body parts.