Laboratory #12 Sensory Perception
The human body has a complex nervous system that tells the brain about our internal conditions and our external environment. This lab will introduce the basics and the importance of perception.
KEY WORDS
Blind Spot Peripheral Vision
Retina Color Blindness
Optic Disc Hearing Loss
Eye Dominance Touch Receptors
Near Point Taste Receptors
Afterimages Visual Acuity
Astigmatism
A. Sight
The eye is the organ for sight. The retina is the part of the eye that is made of photoreceptors known as rods and cones. The retina is found on the back inner surface of the eye. The optic disc is a region of the retina where optic nerves and blood vessels are found. Since this region lacks photoreceptors, it is called the "blind spot" of the retina. Typically, one eye is dominant over the other. Eye dominance relates to the eye that we use the most in a particular situation.
Can you identify the eye structures shown below?
Optic nerve coming from rear of the eyeball.
A = optic disk (retina is strongly attached herer).
B = tapetum lucidum
C = retina
D = lens
Astigmatism results from an abnormal curvature of the cornea. A chart similar to the one shown below can be used to test for astigmatism.
Certain color tests can be used to determine if a person is color blind. Can you see the number in the images shown below?
B. Hearing
There are two main types of hearing loss and they are nerve deafness and conduction deafness. Nerve deafness results from damage, usually from loud sounds, to sound receptors which transmit impulses to the brain. Conduction deafness is caused by the inability of sound vibrations to reach the inner ear. This is usually correctable by hearing aids.
How can tuning forks be used to distinguish between nerve deafness and conduction deafness?
C. Touch
Touch receptors are found all throughout the body. The fingertips and lips are most sensitive to touch. On the other hand, the back of the neck is the least sensitive.
D. Taste
Your nose strongly influences your ability to taste, which is evident when you have a stuffy nose. Taste is composed of four main types: sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. These various taste buds that detect taste are found on different parts of our tongue. To return to the Biology 101 Lab Homepage click here.
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