PSY 315 Assignment Questions and Answers

ASSIGNMENT PSY315(SENSORY PROCESSES)

A. Draw, label and write out the functions of the following organs:

1. The heart.
2. The sense organ of sight.
3. The sense organ of taste.
4. The tactile organ.
5. The sense organ of smell.
6. The brain and its compartments.
7. Animal cell.
8. Plant cell.
9. Neuron.
10. The digestive system.

B. State the differences between plant and animal cell.

C. State fully the functioning of the neuron.

       Requirement:

Drawing book
Pencil
Eraser
Ruler
Sharpener

(We have just one month to do this assignment)

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ANSWERS

1. The Heart

Functions of the Heart:

1. Pumps Blood – The heart circulates blood throughout the body, ensuring oxygen and nutrients reach all tissues.
2. Supplies Oxygen & Nutrients – Oxygen-rich blood from the lungs is distributed to the body to support cell functions.
3. Removes Waste Products – The heart helps transport carbon dioxide and other waste products to the lungs and kidneys for removal.
4. Maintains Blood Pressure – By controlling the force and rate of blood flow, the heart regulates blood pressure.
5. Supports Circulatory System – It works with blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries) to keep blood moving efficiently.
6. Adapts to Body Needs – The heart beats faster during physical activity to supply more oxygen and slows down during rest.

2. The Sense Organ of Sight (Eyes)

Functions of the Eyes:

1. Detects Light – The eyes capture light and convert it into electrical signals for the brain to process.
2. Enables Vision – Allows us to see objects, colors, shapes, and movements.
3. Focuses on Objects – The lens adjusts to focus on near or distant objects.
4. Helps in Depth Perception – Both eyes work together to determine distances between objects.
5. Aids in Balance and Coordination – Vision helps maintain balance and guides movement.
6. Protects Against Harm – Reflexes like blinking help shield the eyes from dust, bright light, and foreign objects.

3. The Sense Organ of Taste (Tongue)

Functions of the Tongue:

1. Detects Different Tastes – The tongue identifies sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors using taste buds.
2. Aids in Digestion – It helps move food around the mouth for chewing and mixing with saliva.
3. Assists in Swallowing – The tongue pushes food towards the throat for swallowing.
4. Enhances Flavor Perception – Works with the nose to fully experience flavors.
5. Helps in Speech – The tongue plays a major role in forming words and sounds.
6. Acts as a First Line of Defense – The tongue’s sensitivity helps detect spoiled or harmful substances in food.

4. The Tactile Organ (Skin)

Functions of the Skin:

1. Detects Touch and Pressure – Specialized nerve endings sense physical contact and pressure.
2. Senses Temperature – The skin detects heat and cold, helping the body respond to temperature changes.
3. Feels Pain – Pain receptors in the skin help detect injuries or harmful stimuli.
4. Protects the Body – Acts as a barrier against bacteria, viruses, and harmful substances.
5. Regulates Body Temperature – Sweating and blood vessel dilation help cool the body, while goosebumps help retain heat.
6. Produces Vitamin D – When exposed to sunlight, the skin helps produce vitamin D for strong bones.
7. Stores Fat and Water – The skin helps retain moisture and stores energy in fat cells.

5. The Sense Organ of Smell (Nose)

Functions of the Nose:

1. Detects Odors – Olfactory receptors in the nose identify different smells.
2. Enhances Taste – Works with the tongue to help recognize flavors in food.
3. Filters Air – The nose traps dust, germs, and pollutants using tiny hairs (cilia) and mucus.
4. Moistens and Warms Air – Before air enters the lungs, the nose humidifies and warms it for better breathing.
5. Aids in Breathing – The nose allows smooth airflow to the lungs for oxygen exchange.
6. Triggers Reflexes – Sneezing helps remove irritants from the nasal passage.

6. The Brain and Its Compartments

Functions of the Brain and Its Compartments:

1. Cerebrum – Controls thinking, memory, reasoning, emotions, voluntary movements, and sensory processing.
2. Cerebellum – Maintains balance, posture, and coordination of body movements.
3. Brainstem – Regulates vital involuntary functions like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion.
4. Hypothalamus – Controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and emotions.
5. Medulla Oblongata – Manages automatic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
6. Thalamus – Acts as a relay center, sending sensory information to the appropriate brain areas.
7. Pituitary Gland – Releases hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and other body functions.

7. Animal Cell

Functions of the Animal Cell:

1. Energy Production – The mitochondria generate energy (ATP) for the cell through cellular respiration.
2. Protein Synthesis – The ribosomes produce proteins, which are essential for various cell functions.
3. DNA Storage and Control – The nucleus contains genetic material (DNA) and controls cell activities.
4. Transport of Materials – The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) helps transport proteins and lipids throughout the cell.
5. Waste Removal – Lysosomes digest and remove waste products and old cell parts.
6. Cell Division – The cell undergoes mitosis or meiosis for growth, repair, and reproduction.
7. Cell Communication – The cell membrane facilitates communication with other cells and the environment.

8. Plant Cell

Functions of the Plant Cell:

1. Photosynthesis – Chloroplasts use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (food) and oxygen.
2. Energy Storage – The vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste products, helping the plant maintain structure and function.
3. Structural Support – The cell wall, made of cellulose, provides shape and rigidity to the cell, supporting the plant.
4. Transport of Materials – Plasmodesmata allow the transport of water, nutrients, and information between plant cells.
5. Growth and Development – The large central vacuole helps with cell expansion and growth by storing water and maintaining pressure.
6. Protection – The cell wall acts as a protective barrier, shielding the plant cell from harmful microorganisms and environmental stress.

9. Neuron

Functions of the Neuron:

1. Transmits Electrical Signals – Neurons carry electrical impulses (action potentials) throughout the nervous system to relay information.
2. Processes Information – The brain and spinal cord receive and interpret signals from neurons to produce thoughts, memories, and actions.
3. Coordinates Reflex Actions – Neurons control reflexes, allowing fast, automatic responses to stimuli, like pulling away from something hot.
4. Connects Different Body Parts – Neurons form networks that link the brain, spinal cord, and various body parts, enabling communication and coordination.
5. Releases Neurotransmitters – At synapses, neurons release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons or muscles.
6. Supports Mental and Physical Functions – Neurons control activities like thinking, muscle movements, and regulation of body functions.

10. The Digestive System

Functions of the Digestive System:

1. Breaks Down Food – The digestive system breaks down food into smaller, absorbable components (nutrients, sugars, fats, etc.) through mechanical and chemical processes.
2. Absorbs Nutrients – After digestion, nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream via the small intestine for use by the body.
3. Eliminates Waste – The digestive system removes undigested food and waste products through the large intestine, ultimately excreting them as feces.
4. Produces Digestive Enzymes – The pancreas and liver produce enzymes and bile to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
5. Regulates Metabolism – The system ensures the proper digestion and absorption of food to maintain the body’s energy balance.
6. Maintains Gut Health – The digestive system supports a healthy microbiome, which is essential for digestion, immune function, and overall health.

B. Differences between Plant and Animal Cells:

Feature	Plant Cell	Animal Cell
Cell Wall	Present (made of cellulose)	Absent
Shape	Usually rectangular or square	Usually round or irregular
Chloroplast	Present (for photosynthesis)	Absent
Vacuole	Large central vacuole	Small or absent
Centrioles	Absent	Present
Lysosomes	Rarely present	Present

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C Functioning of the Neuron:

A neuron is a nerve cell responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals in the body. It functions in the following way:

1. Reception of Stimulus: Dendrites receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.
2. Transmission of Impulse: The electrical signal (action potential) travels through the axon.
3. Synaptic Transmission: At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released to pass the signal to the next neuron or muscle.
4. Response: The signal reaches the brain or muscles, leading to an action or reaction.

Neurons help in reflex actions, thinking, and coordination of body functions.