The somatosensory system refers to the complex network of sensory receptors, neural pathways, and brain regions involved in perceiving and interpreting sensations related to the body and its interactions with the environment. It encompasses the senses of touch, temperature, pain, itch, and proprioception, which provide crucial information about the body's internal and external states.
The soma, or body, and the sensory system combine to form the term somatosensory. This system allows us to navigate and interact with our surroundings through sensing various stimuli, primarily through the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints. Upon stimulation, sensory receptors distributed throughout the body convert physical signals into electrochemical signals that are then transmitted to the central nervous system.
The somatosensory system's integration takes place in various regions of the brain, such as the somatosensory cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. The somatosensory cortex consists of distinct regions dedicated to receiving input from different parts of the body, enabling us to discern specific sensations' location and type. Additionally, the system plays a fundamental role in the control of movement and the maintenance of body posture.
Notably, the somatosensory system considerably affects our perception of the surrounding world by allowing the brain to process and interpret sensations, contributing to body awareness, motor control, and coordinated movements. Dysfunction within this system can lead to sensory processing disorders, pain disorders, movement difficulties, or impairments in perceiving touch or pressure, emphasizing the importance of the somatosensory system for overall bodily functioning.
