Body Senses Flashcards
Somatosensory system?
Specialised receptors with in the skin detect physical stimuli from the external environment
What are the three classes of the somatosensory system
Pressure temperature and pain
What receptors detect pressure
Mechanoreceptors
Specialised nerve endings
What receptors detect temperature
Thermoreceptors
Free nerve endings
What receptors detect pain
Nociceptors
Free nerve endings
How does the Somatosensory system work
These receptors travel in semantic nerves before entering the spinal-cord this activates the spinal reflexes before travelling to Brain site travels through the brainstem and thalamus to reach the somatosensory cortex
What is the phantom limb illusion
Missing limb often feels as though it’s in uncomfortably distorted position
Can be relieved with the Mirror box treatment
What is congenital pain insensitivity
If you aren’t sensitive to pain it leads to many injuries and puts the individual in a lot of danger
What is proprioception
It is the physical sense of our body in space
Where are the proprioceptors and that do they do
They are for stretch and force and are located in the joints muscles and tendons to provide feedback to the brain
Help us to keep track of where we are and move effectively the brain combines this information with our intentions to obtain perception
What do the proprioceptors work with
The vestibular system which is balance
How does the vestibular system work
We have semicircular canals and otoliths that enable us to detect acceleration and movement
What are otoliths
They are tiny crystals that sense linear movement and gravity
What do we do with vestibular information
It reaches the part about brainstem controls Eye muscles and triggers reflexes it controls bodily responses for catching a balance
