TouchPosition and Movement and the Skin Senses

Tory Sparks, Ryan Main, Phoebe Wegmann

System located in the inner ear that allows us to make adjustments to bodily

movements and postures.

Disorders of this sense can cause extreme dizziness or disorientation.

Tells us how our bodies are postured and when we are moving.

Vestibular Sense

Utricles Fluid filled chamber in

the inner ear that detects changes in

gravity.

Head movement activates vestibular

system

Orienting ourselves to the environment.

Semicircular Canals

Fluid filled passages in the inner ear that detect movement of the head.

Movement causes hair cells to bend, sending information to the brain.

SacculeA bed of sensory cells

situated in the inner ear.

Translates head movements into

neural impulses which the brain can

interpret.

Kinesthetic Sense System of receptors located in the

muscles and joints that provides information about the location of the extremities.

Sense receptors located in the joints and muscles send information to the brain concerning muscle tension and joint perception: determine location of limbs.

Receptors connect to processing regions in the parietal lobe.

Highly involved in skilled activity, such as sports.

Phantom Limb Sensation

The sensation that an amputated or missing limb is still attached to the body and is in moving in accordance with the other limbs.

People with this condition also feel sensations from the missing limb, usually painful.

Cutaneous SenseSystem of receptors

located in the skin that provides information about touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

Pain: harmful stimulus- heat/cold, chemicals, break or invasion of skin.

ReceptorsA receptor is a free nerve

ending. Mechanoreceptors:

touch/pressureThermoreceptors:

temperatureNocioreceptors: painCutaneous receptors:

receptors on the skin that provide sensory information.

Gate Control Theory

Theory of pain stating that the release of substance P in the

spinal cord produces the sensation of pain. Endorphins block the

release of substance P. (i.e. “Runner’s High”)

AcupunctureEndorphins are responsible for

the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine methodology

originating in ancient China that treats patients by manipulating thin, solid needles that have been

inserted into acupuncture points in the skin

Lamaze Method

A method that prepares a mother for natural

childbirth; the pregnant woman (in classes and at home) practices (usually with the help of a coach)

and learns about the physiology of childbirth and

techniques of relaxation, concentration, and

breathing.

Congenital Analgesia

One or more conditions where a person cannot

feel and has never felt

physical pain.