somatosensory system are parts in sensory receptors that serve as body wall and limbsWhere does input relay towards?3 levels of natural integration in sensory system1. receptor level2. circuit level3. perceptual levelwhat are each functions?
The somatosensory system is responsible for processing sensations related to touch, proprioception (awareness of body position), temperature, and pain that arise from the body wall (skin, muscles, and organs) and limbs
The somatosensory system is responsible for processing sensations related to touch, proprioception (awareness of body position), temperature, and pain that arise from the body wall (skin, muscles, and organs) and limbs.
1. Receptor Level: At the receptor level, specialized sensory receptors in the skin and other tissues detect sensory stimuli (e.g., pressure, temperature, vibration) and convert them into electrical signals. These receptors include mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and nociceptors, which respond to mechanical pressure, temperature changes, and painful stimuli, respectively.
2. Circuit Level: Once the sensory input is received by the receptors, it is relayed to the central nervous system (CNS) through a series of neural circuits. At the circuit level, the sensory information is processed and integrated by various intermediate neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. These neurons modulate the intensity and timing of the sensory signals before they are transmitted to higher brain regions for further processing.
3. Perceptual Level: At the perceptual level, the processed sensory information reaches higher brain regions, such as the thalamus and somatosensory cortex. Here, the neural activity is interpreted and integrated with other sensory inputs and existing memories, resulting in the conscious perception and interpretation of the sensations. This level allows us to identify and discriminate different qualities of touch, distinguish between hot and cold, and recognize pain.
In summary, the receptor level involves the initial detection of sensory stimuli by specialized receptors, the circuit level processes and modulates the sensory signals within the CNS, and the perceptual level interprets and integrates the sensory information to give rise to conscious perception.
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