Transduction is the process by which physical energy is converted into neural signals. This conversion is fundamental for the sensory systems to communicate information to the brain.

The absolute threshold represents the smallest level of stimulus that can be detected by the sensory system. It is a crucial concept for understanding how sensitive our senses are.

The visual system, especially the photoreceptors in the retina, is designed to detect light and its wavelengths. This detection is key to our ability to perceive colors and shapes.

Sensory adaptation is the process where continuous exposure to a constant stimulus leads to a decrease in sensitivity. This mechanism helps the brain focus on new or changing stimuli rather than unvarying ones.

Signal detection theory explains that the detection of stimuli depends not only on the physical properties of the stimulus but also on the observer's internal factors like motivation and expectation. This theory broadens our understanding of how decisions are made in uncertain conditions.

Weber's Law states that the smallest detectable change in a stimulus is a constant fraction of the original stimulus magnitude. This proportionality is a fundamental principle in understanding perceptual sensitivity.

The iris controls the size of the pupil, thereby regulating the amount of light that enters the eye. This adjustment is essential for proper vision under various lighting conditions.

Context effects in perception show that the surrounding environment can alter our perception of an object's position. This indicates that perception relies on both sensory input and contextual cues.

Rod cells are highly sensitive to light and are crucial for vision in low-light environments, as well as detecting motion. They do not contribute significantly to color vision, which is primarily the role of cone cells.

The 'criterion' is the decision threshold set by an observer when determining whether a stimulus is present. It reflects individual biases and affects the rates of hits and false alarms in detection tasks.

The Ebbinghaus illusion demonstrates how the size of surrounding circles can affect our perception of a central circle's size. This effect shows the influence of contextual cues on visual perception.

Photoreceptor cells, comprising rods and cones, convert incoming light into electrical signals through the process of transduction. This conversion is critical as it forms the basis of visual processing in the brain.

Taste receptor cells reside in taste buds, which are mostly found on the tongue. These receptors play a pivotal role in detecting flavors such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

Sensation is the process by which sensory organs detect external stimuli, whereas perception is the interpretation and organization of these signals by the brain. This distinction is central to understanding how we experience the world.

An individual's expectations and previous experiences can alter their decision threshold in signal detection tasks. This cognitive bias is a key element in determining the balance between hits and false alarms.

Top-down processing involves applying prior knowledge, context, and expectations to interpret sensory information. This cognitive influence can override the raw sensory data, especially when the information is ambiguous.

Individuals with lower sensory thresholds are more sensitive and may detect even faint stimuli, leading to a higher potential for false alarms. This variability plays a significant role in interpreting outcomes in signal detection experiments.

Adaptation refers to the physiological reduction in sensitivity when exposed continuously to a stimulus, while habituation involves a learning process where the response diminishes after repeated exposure. Recognizing this difference is essential for understanding both automatic and learned changes in sensory responsiveness.

Neural plasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. After sensory loss, this reorganization allows other senses to compensate, demonstrating the dynamic adaptability of the brain.

Inattentional blindness demonstrates that when attention is focused on one task, even highly visible stimuli may be overlooked. This phenomenon underscores the vital role of attention in what we consciously perceive from our sensory input.