Module 1
1. Module 1
1.32. Page 7
Module 1—The Nervous System
Reflect and Connect
Most people are left-brain dominant, but some people are right-brain dominant. The dominance of one side of your brain over the other affects how you perceive what you see. Your brain is crucial in the integration, interpretation, and perception of what you see. Two people looking at the same thing may see it very differently!
Choose one of the following written-response questions. Reflect upon the question and consider what you have learned in this lesson about the eye, how it receives a stimulus, how the message is sent to the brain, and how the brain processes that information; then respond in paragraph format. Store your response in your course folder for future reference.
RC 1. Look at a picture, clock, or some distinctive object located on the other side of the room. Cover or close one eye. Concentrate on that object for a few moments. Now, cover or close the other eye. What happens to the image when you switch from viewing it first with one eye and then with the other? What does this simple experiment illustrate about vision?
RC 2. The actual visual sensation that you experience is not always an exact representation of the visual information that is picked up by your eyes. This is because the brain is susceptible to all sorts of past and present influences that modify your perception. Visual information is modified by the brain so that you see the image that your brain is conditioned to see. Do an Internet search using the term “old woman young woman perception.” Your search engine will display a number of illustrations. Follow a link to an illustration that plays on perception. Look at the illustration. What do you see? It is possible to see a young woman or an old woman depending on how you look at it. Perhaps you are able to see both. The image that you see, or your perception of the image, depends on your brain and your life experiences.
Discuss
Would you have laser surgery to change the shape of your lens? Many nearsighted people are now considering laser surgery to eliminate the need for glasses. Research this technology and identify any possible benefits and risks associated with the procedure. Address and explain at least two benefits and two risks of the procedure. Decide whether you would have such surgery if you were nearsighted, and justify your decision.
Post your findings on the discussion board. Ask classmates to comment on whether they would have the surgery. You may prepare your findings as a chart that lists the pros and cons of the procedure, or you may record your findings in point form.
Reflect on the Big Picture
In this lesson you continued exploring the senses. Photoreception, or the sense of vision, involves the largest number of sensory receptors in the body. The eyes gather approximately 80% to 90% of the information about the external environment and transmit it to the brain.
Complete the following statements by filling in the blanks.
Statement 1: As you walked toward the group of people and focused on one person, her image was kept in focus by what reflex?
Statement 2: The _____ adjusted the amount of light entering the eye.
Statement 3: The _____ were activated to allow you to see colours.
Statement 4: The _____ integrated and interpreted this information.
Based on this information that you received and the visual perception that you formed, you decided to say hello to the new girl in your class.
Reflect on the Big Picture Answers
Statement 1: Her image was kept in focus by the accommodation reflex.
Statement 2: The papillary reflex adjusted the amount of light entering the eye.
Statement 3: The cones were activated to allow you to see colours.
Statement 4: The occipital lobes of the cerebral cortex integrated and interpreted this information.
At this point, you should research the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and vision. Store any additional information in your course folder in preparation for your Module Assessment.
Keep the following key questions in mind when reviewing:
- What are the major structures of the eye?
- How do these structures function?
- How do they communicate with the nervous system to support the integrated act of seeing?
Module 1: Lesson 5 Assignment
Submit your completed Module 1: Lesson 5 Assignment to your teacher for assessment.