somatosenses/ somatosensory system Flashcards

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1
Q

what is the somatosensory system

A

A network of neuronal structures in the brain that produces the perception of touch, temperature, and pain

It consists of organic senses (provides info and pleasant or unpleasant sensations)

and consists or proprioception and kinaesthesia (body position and movement)

and consists of cutaneous sense (skin senses)

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2
Q

what does our skin contain?

A

2 different sensory receptors
encapsulated somatosensory receptors
free nerve endings

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3
Q

encapsulated somatosensory receptors, touch receptors

A

touch receptors are called mechanoreceptors

they respond to vibrations and changes in pressure.

the movement of dendrites of these receptors causes ion channels to open changing receptor potential causing an AP and SIGNAL BEING TRANSFERRED ALONG AN AXON (VIA LARGE MYELINATED AB FIBRES resulting in high conduction velocity)

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4
Q

free nerve endings- perception of temp?

A

thermoreceptors have free nerve endings
we have warm and cold thermoreceptors.

warm use unmyelinated c fibres

cold use same as warm and lightly myelinated A fibres

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5
Q

free nerve endings- perception of pain

A

nociceptors

pain is conveyed via lightly myelinated A fibres and unmyelinated C fibres.

types of nociceptors= mechanical, thermal, chemical (histamine), polymodal

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6
Q

somatosensory cortex

A

consists of primary (s1) and secondary (s2)

volume of somatosensory cortex is not proportionate to body surface e.g. fingers and stomach

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7
Q

chronic pain=

A

involves pathways to the prefrontal cortex

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