Function Of Sense Organs Research Articles

Hoffman’s Interface Theory from a Bio-Psychological Perspective

Hoffman’s interface theory of perception proposes that natural selection is based on icons, which are assessed on the basis of their value for species fitness and have no resemblance to real objects. According to this perspective, perception of truth concerning objects has no value for ensuring the species’ survival. The whole truth can only be grasped if all underlying physical factors creating icons of conscious perception are known. However, knowledge of whole truth as well as partial truth is rejected by the theory. Yet, from a bio-psychological perspective, the theory has some important limitations. Perception limited to partial truth would also be adapted for fitness-based evolutionary selection, as it would result in the enhancement of the existing or the creation of new functions of sense organs. Although Hoffman’s interface theory does not treat sense organs as physical objects, their functions in consciousness are recognized. Symbolic icons on the computer screen lack any veridical representation of the manner in which the data is stored in the computer memory, but are valuable tools in accessing the relevant content. In contrast icons representing images maintain a direct relation to their stored image. Evolutionary selection over many generations is thought to create icons for increasing fitness. However, icons created in the distant past become fixed and cannot be adapted to the rapid changes during an individual learning process necessary for adaption to unexpected new situations. Human inventions of new objects would also be rendered impossible if icons were solely dependent on evolutionary selection in the distant past. The interface theory is based on quantum mechanical concepts, which are extrapolated from the atomocosm to the macrocosm, but do not consider the Heisenberg cut. The interface approach may be adequate for lower-level organisms, but results in oversimplification when applied to the highly complex human perception.

Sublethal effects of cadmium on auditory structure and function in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas).

Aquatic ecosystems are threatened by environmental contaminants, and many heavy metals can influence both the structure and function of sense organs in fishes. The use of these senses is vital to the survival and reproductive success of fish and therefore affects the health of the ecosystem as a whole. The current study examines the effects of cadmium on auditory structure and function in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). In the laboratory, fish were exposed for 96 h to a range of cadmium concentrations and both hearing sensitivity and hair cell morphology were quantified. While hair cell numbers were unaffected, cadmium caused an increase in auditory threshold, with a critical range for toxic effects of cadmium estimated at 2.1-2.9 µg L(-1). Cadmium exposure also caused a decrease in response latency at higher cadmium concentrations. The current study demonstrates the sublethal effects of cadmium on fish sensory function while also pointing to the need for more careful interpretation of cadmium impacts on aquatic populations.

FUNCTION OF SENSE ORGANS TO THE FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF JUVENILES CHINESE STURGEON CAPTURED FROM THE YANGTZE ESTUARY

Chinese sturgeon,Acipenser sinensis,is an endangered anadromous species that currently only remains in the main stream of the Yangtze River and the coastal China Seas.It spawns in the upper Yangtze River and grows in ocean,and it is one of the largest fish to enter fresh water,with the maximum of 400 cm total length and 450 kg body weight.As a result of habitat alteration and overfishing,population of this species have greatly declined in abundance.Thus,this species has been listed as one of the China's national protected wild animals in category I in 1988,and listed in the IUCN's Red List in 1997.The Yangtze Estuary is the only passage for Chinese sturgeon migrating between fresh water and ocean,and also the important feeding ground for the young Chinese sturgeon when they pass through the estuarine area from May to August every year.In order to protect this species,the Yangtze Estuarine Nature Reserve(area,274km2) for young Chinese sturgeon was established in 2002,and this area has been listed as Important International Wetland by the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat in 2008.However,most aspects of the early life history of Chinese sturgeon in the wild have not been investigated.The objective of this study was to document the function of sense organs to feeding behavior of Chinese sturgeon juveniles,and to use this information to provide guidance for the conservation of feeding ground of young Chinese sturgeon in the Yangtze estuarine area,and also to provide guidance for the improvement of aquaculture techniques of young Chinese sturgeon.63 fishes(20.0±3.5cm of total length,69±15.7g of body weight) for this experiment were collected using gill nets from the Yangtze Estuary from May to June,2006.Collected fishes were accommodated in tanks for 2 weeks before experiment.By means of surgical sense excision of vision,smell,touch,electricity,and lateral line,respectively,the function of specific sense organs to feeding behavior was studied.Six experimental groups and one control group were designed.Experiment lasted for 5 days,and water temperature of experimental tanks was controlled between 24.5—27.0℃.The experimental results showed that there was no significant difference in food intake rates between tested groups(respective excision of vision,lateral line and electrosensory) and control group(p0.05).Food intake rate of tested group that sense of smell was excised was only 34.76% of that of control group,and food intake rate of tested group that sense of touch was excised was 73.80% of that of control group.Food intake rate of tested group that sense of smell and chin barbell were excised in the same time was only 17.01% of that of control group.Therefore,it is may conclude that sense organs of smell and touch of young Chinese sturgeon played an important role in feeding behavior.

Catalyzing the Dialogue between the Body and The Mind in a Psychotic Analysand

The author presents the analysis of a 23-year-old, obese, psychotic man who was dominated by sensations and unable to work through the different levels of psychic elaboration. He could not discriminate between words and concrete objects or between the perceptual functions of sense organs and the oral-cannibalistic level of instinct. Following the working through of these inabilities, it became possible to understand the patient’s use of sensation and to make him aware of his emotions and conflicts. The author’s discussion of this material emphasizes the role of the body—mind conflict and how this can be confronted in the analytic relationship. Possible links with neuroscience are also indicated.

Age Changes in Psychomotor Capacity and Productivity

UR intention in this paper is to examine the findings on age changes in functions which affect ability to produce. Such information is basic to the development of plans for selective retirement and the wise use of the productive capacity of older workers. Ability to produce is in large measure a reflection of capacity; therefore, knowledge of any changes in this capacity is basic to a study of age changes in ability to produce. The term psychomotor refers to the control and use of the muscles of the body. Included in the term is the functioning of sense organs and the central nervous system, which initiate, organize, and direct muscle action. Thus, perception, learning, muscular strength, and even motivation are interrelated factors in the complex. These various aspects of activity may be studied in relative isolation or as they function together in complex situations. Fortunately, data of both types are available. Although deficient in many respects, these data set the stage for future development and allow us the luxury of formulating tentatively a preliminary list of principles for the understanding of age effects on capacity. Let us consider first the age changes in a simple activity, followed by a discussion of changes in the peripheral mechanisms, represented by vision, audition, and muscular strength, before taking up the more complex behavior utilized in work activities.