Sensory-motor coupling

Sensory-motor coupling is the interaction between the sensory system and the motor system. Sensory information guides motor actions and motor actions influence sensory input. This coupling is fundamental to the ability of organisms to interact with their environment.

Overview

Sensory-motor coupling is the basis of reactive behaviors and is seen in simple organisms such as the single-celled Paramecium, which moves by beating its cilia in response to changes in light intensity. In more complex organisms, sensory-motor coupling is involved in the planning and control of action. For example, when a human reaches for an object, the brain uses visual information to guide the hand to the target, and tactile information to adjust the grip.

Sensory-motor integration

Sensory-motor integration is the process by which sensory information is used to guide motor actions. This involves the integration of information from different sensory modalities, such as vision and touch, and the coordination of multiple motor systems, such as the arm and hand. Sensory-motor integration is essential for many tasks, such as catching a ball, driving a car, or playing a musical instrument.

Sensory-motor adaptation

Sensory-motor adaptation is the ability to adjust motor actions in response to changes in the sensory environment. This is seen when a person adjusts their walking pattern to accommodate a change in terrain, or when a baseball player adjusts their swing to hit a curveball. Sensory-motor adaptation is thought to involve changes in the neural representation of the sensory-motor map.

Sensory-motor learning

Sensory-motor learning is the process by which sensory-motor skills are acquired and refined through practice. This involves the formation of new sensory-motor maps and the refinement of existing ones. Sensory-motor learning is essential for many activities, such as learning to walk, talk, write, or play a sport.

See also

• Motor control
• Motor coordination
• Motor learning
• Sensory processing
• Sensory integration

Sensory-motor coupling Resources
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