Proprioception Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

Proprioception How and WhyThere atomic number 18 five common senses that atomic number 18 discussed and learned from an early age sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. The I-function, the conscious part of the brain, is very aw atomic number 18 of these senses. It voluntarily checks information obtained by these senses in order to experience the environment, and withal when a strong enough stimuli has signaled attention to these specific receptors. There atomic number 18 other equally important sensory systems set up that are essential for normal body functioning, but these are not so easily recognized by the I-function be vex the nervous system keeps the input unconscious(p). mavin overlooked sense, known as proprioception, is as important, if not more important as the other senses, for normal functioning. Proprioception is the process by which the body trick vary muscle contraction in immediate response to entree information regarding external forces, by utilizing stre tch receptors in the muscles to keep caterpillar tread of the joint position in the body (1). Proprioception and kinesthesia, the sensation of joint action and acceleration, are the sensory feedback mechanisms for motor control and posture. Theses mechanisms along with the vestibular system, a fluid filled network within the inner ear that skunk feel the pull of gravity and helps the body keep oriented and balanced, are unconsciously utilized by the brain to provide a invariant influx of sensory information (2). The brain can then cast out immediate and unconscious adjustments to the muscles and joints in order to achieve apparent motion and balance. Why has the nervous system developed the sense of proprioception, and why is it an unconscious aspect of the sensory system? Proprioception, also often referred to as the s... ...tion seems to be one of the most complicated aspects of the brain. Was the I-function one of the last aspects to evolve in the human brain thus far? If s o was it because the necessities for survival were courteous by the species, proprioception allows movement and eating is instinctual to the brain? Why did evolution cause the human to develop the I-function? References1)Proprioception, A simplified overview of anatomical structures and neurophysiological actions entangled in joint stability. http//www.umds.ac.uk/physiology/mcal/posture.html2)Mixed up in Space, An article concerning how the vestibular and proprioceptor systems answer in space. http//science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast07aug_1.htm3)Why cant this man feel whether or not he is stand up?, The story of one mans loss of proprioception http//www.apa.org/monitor/jun98/touch.html