Postural Control & Stability

Somatosensory System

Somatosensory receptors:

  1. Exteroreceptors
  2. Interoreceptors

Somatosensory pathways: also called the ascending tracts

Somatosensory cortex: divided into:

  1. Primary cortex
  2. Secondary cortex
  3. Association cortex

Somatosensory Receptors

Classification based on:

  1. Location
    1. Interoceptors
    2. Exteroceptors
  1. Type of stimulus detected
    1. Mecanoreceptors
    2. Thermoreceptors
    3. Photoreceptors
    4. Nociceptors
  1. Structural complexity
    1. Simple
    2. Complex

Interoceptors

Interoceptors respond to stimuli occurring in the body from visceral organs,blood vessels, joints and muscles.

Exteroceptors

Receptors located on/near the surface of the skin and are sensitive to stimuli occurring outside or on the surface of the skin.
Ex: touch, pain,temperature, as well as those for vision, hearing, smell, and taste.

Proprioceptors

Proprioceptors respond to stimuli occurring in skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. These receptors collect information concerning body position and the physical conditions of these locations.