Somatic Sensations: I

Question 1

CLASSIFICATION OF SOMATIC SENSES: The somatic senses can be classified into three physiological types

Answer 1

(1) the mechanoreceptive somatic senses, which include both tactile and position sensations that are stimulated by mechanical displacement of some tissue of the body.
(2) the thermoreceptive senses, which detect heat and cold.
(3) the pain sense, which is activated by factors that damage the tissues.

Question 2

Other Classifications of Somatic Sensations: Somatic sensations are also often grouped together in other classes.

Answer 2

1. Exteroceptive sensations are those from the surface of the body.
2. Proprioceptive sensations are those relating to the physical state of the body, including position sensations, tendon and muscle sensations, pressure sensations from the bottom of the feet, and even the sensation of equilibrium (which is often considered a “special” sensation rather than a somatic sensation).
3. Visceral sensations are those from the viscera of the body; in using this term, one usually refers specifically to sensations from the internal organs.
4. Deep sensations are those that come from deep tissues, such as from fasciae, muscles, and bone. These sensations include mainly “deep” pressure, pain, and vibration.

Question 3

which is often considered a “special” sensation rather than a somatic sensation

Answer 3

proprioceptor sensation