PSYC 102 Chapter Notes -Secondary Somatosensory Cortex, Spinothalamic Tract, Dermis
Document Summary
Losing sense of touch makes it hard to interact with environment, increases likelihood of injury, and causes loss of motivation for sexual activity. Somatosensory system- includes cutaneous senses, proprioception, and kinesthesis. Cutaneous senses- responsible for perceptions such as touch and pain, which are usually caused by stimulation of the skin. Proprioception- ability to sense the position of the body and limbs. Kinesthesis- ability to sense the movement of the body and limbs. Warning function, prevents body fluids from escaping, protection from dirt and bacteria, and provides info about stimuli we come into contact with. Epidermis- outer layer of skin, composed of dead skin cells. Mechanoreceptors- receptors in dermis that respond to mechanical stimulation (pressure, stretching, and vibration) Slowly adapting (sa) receptors- respond with prolonged firing to continued pressure. Merkel receptor (sa1)- located close to surface of skin, has small receptive fields; associated with sensing fine details.
