Sensory Systems Scenario Analysis
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.
Include a minimum of 2 peer-reviewed sources.
Format your article according to APA guidelines.
The Impact of Nervous System Damage on the Sensory Experience: A Focus on Vision and Hearing
The sensory systems are fundamental to how we perceive and interact with the world around us. They allow us to experience sensations such as sight and sound, which are crucial for navigating our environment and responding to stimuli. However, damage to the nervous system can profoundly alter these sensory experiences. This article will delve into the role of the sensory system in vision and hearing, examine the nervous system structures involved, and explore the effects of damage on these senses.
The Role of the Nervous System in Vision
Nervous System Structures Involved
Vision relies on complex interactions between various structures in the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Key components include:
- The Eye: Light enters through the cornea, passes through the pupil, and is focused by the lens onto the retina. The retina contains photoreceptor cells—rods and cones—that convert light into electrical signals.
- Optic Nerve: This nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.