What is the Difference Between Sensory and Somatosensory?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The somatosensory system is a network of neurons responsible for processing sensory information from the body, such as pain, pressure, movement, and temperature. It is a subset of the sensory nervous system, which also includes visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and vestibular stimuli. The somatosensory system can be divided into two regions: the primary somatosensory region, also known as the sensory region, and the secondary somatosensory region, also known as the somatosensory region.
The primary somatosensory region, or sensory region, is located in the ridge of the cortex and receives sensory information from the body. This region is responsible for processing sensations such as touch, proprioception, and pain.
The secondary somatosensory region, or somatosensory region, lies posterior to the primary somatosensory region and is responsible for creating tactile responses to sensory information based on the input received. This region is involved in recognizing objects, discriminating textures, generating sensory-motor feedback, and exchanging social cues.
In summary, the main difference between the sensory and somatosensory regions is that the sensory region receives sensory information, while the somatosensory region creates tactile responses to sensory information based on the input received. Both regions are part of the somatosensory system, which is essential for processing sensory information from the body.
Comparative Table: Sensory vs Somatosensory
The somatosensory system is a part of the sensory system that focuses on processing information about touch, temperature, and proprioception (position and movement of body parts). To understand the difference between sensory and somatosensory, consider the following table:
| Feature | Sensory System | Somatosensory System |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The sensory system is a complex network of neurons that process and transmit information about various stimuli from the internal and external environment. | The somatosensory system is a component of the sensory system that processes information about touch, temperature, and proprioception. |
| Scope | The sensory system includes various senses, such as vision, hearing, taste, and smell, in addition to somatosensory sensations. | The somatosensory system specifically deals with tactile sensations, temperature, and the position and movement of body parts. |
| Neurons | The sensory system involves multiple types of neurons for different sensory modalities. | The somatosensory system consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary neurons that work together to process sensory information. |
| Pathways | The sensory system has various pathways for different sensory modalities. | The somatosensory system has specific pathways, such as the posterior column-medial lemniscal pathway for discriminative touch and proprioception, and the spinothalamic pathways for crude touch, pain, and temperature information. |
In summary, the somatosensory system is a part of the larger sensory system, focusing specifically on processing information related to touch, temperature, and proprioception.
- Primary vs Secondary Somatosensory Cortex
- Sensory vs Motor Nerves
- Sensation vs Perception
- Sensation vs Feeling
- Somatic vs Visceral Reflex
- Sensing vs Perceiving
- Sensory vs Motor Neurons
- Motor vs Sensory Homunculus
- Sensing vs Intuitive
- Somatic vs Visceral Pain
- Kinesthesis vs Vestibular Sense
- Autonomic vs Somatic Reflexes
- Kinesthesia vs Vestibular Sense
- Sensory vs Cerebellar Ataxia
- Exteroceptors vs Interoceptors
- Paresthesia vs Dysesthesia
- Sensitive vs Sensible
- Sensory Processing Disorder vs Autism
- Mechanoreceptors vs Proprioceptors