Somatosensory system

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Thigmaesthesia)

Somatosensory System

The Somatosensory system is a complex system of sensory neurons and pathways that responds to changes at the surface or inside the body. The axons (as afferent nerve fibers) of sensory neurons connect with, or respond to, various receptor cells. These sensory receptor cells are activated by different stimuli such as heat and nociception, giving a functional name to the responding sensory neuron, such as a thermoreceptor which carries information about temperature changes.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The somatosensory system is spread throughout all major parts of our body. At its simplest, the system works when neurons in the body sense changes in the environment, such as heat or light, and send these signals to the brain. This process occurs in two stages: transduction and transmission.

Transduction[edit | edit source]

Transduction occurs when a sensory neuron converts a specific type of physical energy into electrical signals. This process is achieved through the activation of transduction channels within the sensory neuron that convert the energy into electrical signals.

Transmission[edit | edit source]

Transmission is the process by which the electrical signals are sent from the sensory neuron to the brain. This is achieved through the activation of voltage-gated ion channels that propagate the electrical signal along the axon of the neuron.

Function[edit | edit source]

The somatosensory system is responsible for processing sensory information from the body. This includes touch, temperature, body position, and pain signals. The system is critical for our ability to interact with the environment and react to potential threats.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Damage to the somatosensory system can result in a variety of neurological conditions, such as somatosensory disorders, which can affect a person's ability to perceive touch, temperature, body position, and pain.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Somatosensory system Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD