Comprehensive Guide to General Senses and Reflexes in Human Physiology

General Senses

Senses with receptors spread throughout the body, including touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and proprioception.

Receptive Field

The specific area of skin or tissue that a single sensory receptor monitors.

Two-Point Discrimination Test

A test used to determine the smallest distance at which two points of contact can be felt as separate, measuring tactile sensitivity.

Tactile Localization

The ability to identify the exact point on the body where a stimulus is applied.

Adaptation

A decrease in sensitivity to a constant or repeated stimulus over time.

Reflex

A rapid, automatic, and predictable response to a stimulus.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that triggers a response in a receptor.

Input

Sensory information sent from receptors to the central nervous system.

Integration

The process in the central nervous system of interpreting and processing sensory input.

Output

The response signal sent from the CNS through motor neurons to effectors.

Response

The action or change that occurs as a result of a stimulus.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that controls a reflex, typically including a receptor, sensory neuron, CNS, motor neuron, and effector.

Receptor

A sensory structure that detects changes or stimuli in the environment.

Afferent / Sensory Neuron

The neuron that transmits sensory information from receptors to the central nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; processes information and coordinates responses.

Efferent / Motor Neuron

The neuron that carries impulses from the CNS to muscles or glands to produce a response.

Effector

A muscle or gland that carries out the body's response to a stimulus.

Withdrawal Reflex

A reflex that causes an automatic withdrawal of a body part from a painful stimulus.

Stretch Reflex

A reflex that causes a muscle to contract in response to being stretched, helping maintain muscle tone and posture.

Plantar Reflex

A reflex tested by stroking the sole of the foot; a normal response is curling of the toes downward.

Pupillary Reflex

A reflex that controls the diameter of the pupil in response to light intensity.

Ciliospinal Reflex

A reflex in which stimulation of the back of the neck causes pupil dilation on the same side.