Patho: Sensory Function and Pain Perception

Touch, temperature, pain and body position information are transmitted by the somatosensory system.

Mechanical forces- receptor stretching alters membrane permeability.
1.hair cells2. stretch receptors of muscles3. equilibrium receptor: inner ear4. skin receptors: touch, pain, cold, heat

Taste and smell

Monitor blood osmotic pressure

Light

Radiant heat energy

Sound

Pain

Communicate sensory information from the periphery to the CNS

Relay sensory input from the reflex networks and sensory pathways directly to the thalamus

Communicate sensory information from the thalamus to the cerebral cortex. Present in the greatest quantity of all neurons

Wide distribution with branches throughout the body. elicits pain, touch, temperature

Muscle, tendons and joints. elicits position and body movement

Found in visceral structures. elicits fullness and discomfort

Largest diameter
myelinated, accounting for their rapid rate of impulse conduction.
pressure, touch, cold sensation, heat pain
Type A alpha and beta fibers may promote inhibitory effects, diminishing the sensation of pain.