Sensory Division

Definition

The sensory division of the nervous system is responsible for detecting and transmitting information about the internal and external environments of the body to the central nervous system. It is a crucial component of the basic structure and function of the nervous system, enabling the body to perceive and respond to various stimuli.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sensory division is one of the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system, the other being the motor division.
2. Sensory receptors located throughout the body, such as in the skin, muscles, joints, and internal organs, detect various stimuli and convert them into electrical signals.
3. Afferent neurons transmit these electrical signals from the sensory receptors to the central nervous system, where the information is processed and interpreted.
4. The somatic sensory system is responsible for detecting touch, pressure, temperature, and proprioception (awareness of body position and movement).
5. The visceral sensory system is responsible for detecting sensations from the internal organs, such as hunger, thirst, and pain.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the sensory division in the basic structure and function of the nervous system.
  • The sensory division is a crucial component of the nervous system's basic structure and function. It is responsible for detecting and transmitting information about the body's internal and external environments to the central nervous system. This information is then processed and interpreted, allowing the body to perceive and respond to various stimuli. The sensory division, through its afferent neurons and sensory receptors, enables the nervous system to gather the necessary data to maintain homeostasis and coordinate appropriate physiological and behavioral responses.
• Describe the differences between the somatic and visceral sensory systems and their respective roles in the sensory division.
  • The somatic sensory system and the visceral sensory system are the two main components of the sensory division. The somatic sensory system is responsible for detecting touch, pressure, temperature, and proprioception from the body's surface and musculoskeletal system. In contrast, the visceral sensory system is responsible for detecting sensations from the internal organs, such as hunger, thirst, and pain. While the somatic sensory system provides information about the external environment, the visceral sensory system provides information about the internal environment, allowing the nervous system to integrate and coordinate appropriate responses to maintain homeostasis.
• Analyze how the sensory division's ability to detect and transmit information contributes to the overall function of the nervous system.
  • The sensory division's ability to detect and transmit information is fundamental to the overall function of the nervous system. By gathering data from the body's internal and external environments, the sensory division provides the central nervous system with the necessary information to perceive and respond to various stimuli. This information is then processed and integrated, allowing the nervous system to coordinate appropriate physiological and behavioral responses. Without the sensory division's input, the nervous system would be unable to maintain homeostasis, regulate bodily functions, or interact with the environment effectively. The sensory division's role in the basic structure and function of the nervous system is therefore crucial for the body's ability to perceive, interpret, and adapt to its surroundings.

Related terms

Afferent Neurons: Sensory neurons that transmit information from the body's receptors to the central nervous system.

Somatic Sensory System: The part of the sensory division that receives and processes information from the body's surface and musculoskeletal system.

Visceral Sensory System: The part of the sensory division that receives and processes information from the internal organs and viscera.