acoustic reflex

contraction of the middle ear muscles (the tensor tympani and stapedius muscle) elicited by intense sounds. This reflex restricts movement of the ossicles, thus reducing the sound energy transmitted to the inner ear and partially protecting it from damage.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 11th 2025

pain sense

a sense, involving free nerve endings on the body surface and in some internal organs, that yields a specific effect identified as pain, especially when tissue injury occurs.