Test: Psychology and Sociology - 1 - MCAT MCQ

The retina is the light-sensitive layer located at the back of the eye. It contains specialized cells called photoreceptors (rods and cones) that convert light into neural signals.

The cochlea is a spiral-shaped structure located in the inner ear. It is responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Thermoreceptors are sensory receptors that detect changes in temperature. They help us perceive sensations of hot and cold.

The olfactory bulb is a brain structure located above the nasal cavity. It receives signals from olfactory receptors in the nose and is primarily responsible for processing and interpreting smell information.

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting and relaying information about body position, movement, and balance.

Spiciness is not a taste sensation but rather a sensation of heat or irritation caused by certain chemical compounds, such as capsaicin.

Nociceptors are specialized sensory receptors that detect and transmit pain signals to the brain in response to potentially harmful stimuli.

The somatosensory system is responsible for the sense of touch. It includes receptors in the skin and other tissues that detect tactile sensations like pressure, vibration, and temperature.

The vestibular system, which is part of the auditory system, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and equilibrium by detecting changes in head position and movement.

The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outermost layer of the eye. It helps to focus light onto the retina by bending (refracting) the light rays.

Gestalt principles propose that our brain organizes sensory information into meaningful patterns and wholes. It suggests that perception is influenced by factors such as proximity, similarity, and closure.

Absolute threshold refers to the minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected by an individual 50% of the time. It represents the boundary between conscious awareness and unconscious perception.

Nociceptors are sensory receptors specifically designed to detect and transmit pain signals to the brain. They respond to potentially harmful or damaging stimuli.

Sensory adaptation refers to the process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to a constant or repetitive stimulus over time. It allows the brain to focus on detecting new or changing stimuli.

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, receiving signals from various sensory pathways and directing them to the appropriate regions of the cerebral cortex for further processing and interpretation.