module 5: nervous system, CNS, PNS & special senses

Touch

• skin receptors detect pressure, temperature or pain'

• signals travel through sensory neurons to spinal cord

• information is relayed to the somatosensory cortex in the brain for processing

Taste

• taste buds on the tonged detect dissolved chemicals

• signals are sent via nerves, VII, IX and X to the gustatory cortex through the thalamus.

• taste is closely linked to small, influencing flavor preception

Smell

• olfactory receptors in the noser airborne chemicals

• signals travel along cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve) to the olfactory bulbs

• information is processed in the olfactory cortex, passing through the thalamus

Vision

• light enters the eye and is detected by retina (rods and cones)

• signals are transmitted via the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) to the visual cortexin the occipital lobe.

• the brain interrupts these signals into images

equilibrium (Balance)

• sensors in the inner ear (Vestibular system) detect head movement and position

• signals travel via cranial nerve VIII (vestibular cochlear nerve) to the brainstem and cerebellum

• the brain integrates this information to maintain balance and posture.