Sensory Systems - Special Senses

Question 1

What are the differences between somatosensory and sensory receptors and their afferent pathways

Answer 1

Somatosensory:
1. Receptors are widely distributed
2. Cell bodies are located in the DRG and the TG
3. Projection is always contralateral
4. Pathways terminate in the somatosensory cortex

Special
1. Receptors are localized to organs
2. Cell bodies are located in cranial sensory ganglia and not in the DRG and TG
3. Projection is usually ipsilateral
4. Pathways terminated in a specialized cortex
5. The pathways usually contain fewer neurons