Sensory systems

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Sensory systems play a crucial role in our ability to perceive and interact with our environment. Sensory systems are made up of different types of sensory receptors, which convert different types of stimuli (such as light, sound, touch, taste and smell) into electrical signals that are then transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS) for processing.

Once the sensory signals reach the CNS, they are processed by neural circuits specialised in each type of sensory perception. For example, light signals are processed by neural circuits in the visual cortex, while auditory signals are processed by neural circuits in the auditory cortex. Sensory processing in the CNS involves the integration and interpretation of sensory information, enabling conscious perception and adaptive decision-making.

The relationship between sensory systems and the nervous system is very close. Sensory receptors are in fact specialised neurons that are connected directly to the neurons of the CNS. The electrical signals that are transmitted from the sensory receptors to the neurons of the CNS are action potentials, which are electrical impulses that propagate along the axons of the neurons.

The nervous system is responsible for coordinating and integrating sensory signals from different parts of the body, as well as producing adaptive motor responses. Ultimately, our ability to perceive and interact with our environment depends on our nervous system's ability to process sensory signals.

Biomarkers for sensory systems vary depending on the sensory system concerned. However, the biomarkers commonly used to assess the functioning of the different sensory systems 

1. Visual system: biomarkers commonly used to assess visual function include visual acuity measurement, contrast sensitivity measurement, electroretinogram (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

2. Auditory system: Biomarkers commonly used to assess auditory function include audiometry, auditory evoked potentials (AEP), otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and pain thresholds.

3. Somatosensory system: biomarkers commonly used to assess somatosensory function include tactile sensitivity measurement, pain threshold measurement and nerve conduction measurement.