Sensory System Article

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The sensory systems are largely intertwined with the nervous system because the nervous system receives sensations and interprets what they mean. When there is damage to part of a sensory system, it may change the sensory experience.

Imagine you have been asked to write an article for a popular medical magazine on the role of the sensory system and the effects of damage within it.

Choose 2 of the 5 senses.

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word article on how damage to the nervous system affects the sensory experience. Include the following:

Identify which nervous system structures are involved in that sensory system.
Identify which peripheral nervous system structures are involved in the chosen sensory systems, including sensory and motor neurons.
Explain potential or hypothetical damage to the structures.
Describe how the damage has affected the nervous system’s function, including autonomic nervous system responses (parasympathetic and sympathetic) as well as somatic nervous system responses.
Explain why this change in the nervous system has occurred.
Explain external indicators, or symptoms, of the damage.
Describe how the sensory experience may be different because of this damage.

Sample Solution

The human body relies heavily on its sensory systems to interact with the environment and perceive the world around us. These systems, including sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell, are intricately linked to the nervous system, which receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information. Damage to the nervous system can significantly alter the sensory experience, leading to a variety of symptoms and functional impairments.

Sight and the Nervous System

The sense of sight is mediated by the visual system, which involves several structures within the central and peripheral nervous systems. The retina, located at the back of the eye, contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) that convert light into electrical signals. These signals are transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are processed in the visual cortex.

Damage to any of these structures can lead to visual impairments. For example, damage to the optic nerve can cause blindness, while damage to the retina can result in blurred vision or loss of peripheral vision. Damage to the visual cortex can lead to more complex visual disturbances, such as hallucinations or difficulty recognizing objects.

The Effects of Damage to the Visual System:

  • Loss of Vision: Damage to the optic nerve or retina can lead to partial or complete blindness.
  • Blurred Vision: Damage to the lens or cornea can cause blurred vision.
  • Color Blindness: Damage to the cones in the retina can lead to color blindness.
  • Field of Vision Changes: Damage to the optic nerve can affect the field of vision, leading to blind spots or tunnel vision.
  • Visual Hallucinations: Damage to the visual cortex can cause people to see things that are not there.

Hearing and the Nervous System

The sense of hearing is mediated by the auditory system, which involves structures in the ear, brainstem, and temporal lobe of the brain. Sound waves are captured by the outer ear and transmitted through the middle ear to the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals by the cochlea. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.

Damage to any of these structures can lead to hearing loss or other auditory impairments. For example, damage to the outer ear or middle ear can cause conductive hearing loss, while damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve can cause sensorineural hearing loss.

The Effects of Damage to the Auditory System:

  • Hearing Loss: Damage to the ear or auditory nerve can lead to partial or complete hearing loss.
  • Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears.
  • Hyperacusis: Increased sensitivity to sound.
  • Difficulty Understanding Speech: Damage to the auditory nerve or brain can make it difficult to understand speech, especially in noisy environments.

Autonomic Nervous System Responses

Damage to the nervous system can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Damage to the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response, can lead to decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and alertness. Damage to the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest-and-digest” response, can lead to constipation, dry mouth, and other symptoms.

External Indicators of Sensory Damage

In addition to the specific symptoms associated with each sensory system, damage to the nervous system can also lead to more general symptoms such as:

  • Headache or dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Difficulty with coordination or balance

Conclusion

The sensory systems are intricately linked to the nervous system, and damage to any of these structures can have significant consequences. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and potential symptoms associated with sensory system damage, healthcare professionals can provide more effective diagnosis and treatment.

 

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