Chapter 14: The Somatic Nervous System

Sensory System

to help us learn about the environment around us, or about the state of our internal environment

Sensory Input

information gathered by sensory receptors about internal and external changes

Integration

processing and interpretation of sensory input

Motor output

activation of effector organs (muscles and glands) produces a response

Sensation

awareness of stimulus

Perception

interpretation of meaning of stimulus

Exteroceptors

respond to stimuli arising outside body

Interoceptors

respond to stimuli arising in internal viscera and blood vessels

Proprioceptors

respond to stretch in skeletal muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, and connective tissue coverings of bones and muscles

Mechanoreceptors

respond to touch, pressure, vibration, and stretch

Thermoreceptors

sensitive to changes in temperature

Photoreceptors

responds to light energy

Chemoreceptors

responds to chemicals

Nociceptors

sensitive to pain-causing stimuli