Table 10.1 Touch localization error Body part Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average error Back of the hand 1.5 1.6 0.9 Fingertips 0.2 0.4 0.2 Surface of the palm 0.6 0.9 1.0 Forearm 1.7 1.8 0.5 Instep (mid-sole) 0.8 0.7 0.7 Forehead 1.0 1.6 0.7 Describe the relative sensitivities of the different areas of the body tested for localization. Did you observe any error in the second trial? What do you think is the error of localization in the second trial?
Anatomy and Physiology of Special Sensory Organs
Sensory organs can be labeled as special sensory structures that permit sight, hearing, odor, and flavor. Sensory structures permitting proprioception, touch, thermal, and pain perception can be classified as more advanced sensory organs. The sensory neurons are trained to find out modifications in the external and internal conditions so that a person's body can react to that change. A stimulus is the first signal that is recognized by any sensory receptor of the body. Stimulus is an impulse generated when there is a change in the surroundings of a person. For example, a heated environment will alert the brain through the thermal sensory organs and generate a reflex accordingly.
Sensory Receptors
The human sensory system is one of the most complex and highly evolved structures, which processes a myriad of incoming messages. This well-coordinated system helps an organism or individual to respond to external stimuli, appropriately. The sensory receptors are an important part of the sensory system. These receptors are specialized epidermal cells that respond to external environmental stimuli. These receptors consist of structural and support cells that form the peripheral unit of the receptor and the neural dendrites which receive and detect the external stimuli.
Table 10.1 Touch localization error
|
Body part |
Trial 1 |
Trial 2 |
Trial 3 |
Average error |
|
Back of the hand |
1.5 |
1.6 |
0.9 |
|
|
Fingertips |
0.2 |
0.4 |
0.2 |
|
|
Surface of the palm |
0.6 |
0.9 |
1.0 |
|
|
Forearm |
1.7 |
1.8 |
0.5 |
|
|
Instep (mid-sole) |
0.8 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
|
|
Forehead |
1.0 |
1.6 |
0.7 |
|
- Describe the relative sensitivities of the different areas of the body tested for localization.
- Did you observe any error in the second trial? What do you think is the error of localization in the second trial?
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps
