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Sensory Function

Sensory Function of the Brain: Understanding How We Process Information

The brain’s sensory function involves the complex process of receiving, processing, and interpreting sensory information from the environment. This process is essential for our interaction with the world around us, enabling us to perceive and respond to various stimuli.

Key Components Involved in Sensory Processing

1. Sensory Modalities:
   The brain processes multiple sensory modalities, including vision, audition, tactile stimulation (touch), olfaction (smell), gustation (taste), proprioception (position and movement), and vestibular sense (balance).
2. Brain Regions:
   • Sensory-Specific Cortices: Different areas of the brain are specialized for processing specific sensory inputs. For example, the occipital lobe is primarily involved in vision, while the superior temporal gyrus processes auditory information.
   • Multisensory Integration: The cerebellum and other regions play a role in integrating information from multiple sensory modalities, enhancing our perception of the environment.
3. Neural Mechanisms:
   • Sensory Gating: The brain filters out irrelevant sensory information through mechanisms like sensory gating, which involves inhibitory processes in the basal ganglia and other structures.
   • Conscious and Nonconscious Processing: Sensory information can be processed both consciously and nonconsciously, depending on brain states and attention.

Disorders of Sensory Processing

1. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD):
   Characterized by difficulties in processing sensory information, leading to problems with sensory integration and behavioral responses. SPD can manifest as sensory modulation disorder, sensory-based motor disorder, or sensory discrimination disorder.
2. Neurological Conditions:
   Conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often involve atypical sensory processing, with altered connectivity between sensory cortices and other brain regions.

Conclusion

The sensory function of the brain is a complex process that involves multiple brain regions and mechanisms to integrate and interpret sensory information. Understanding these processes is crucial for diagnosing and managing disorders related to sensory processing.

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At DrStemCellsThailand‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing neurological disorders. If you have questions about sensory processing or would like more information on our services related to neurological health, consult with our experts today!

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References

1. PMC: Neural Correlates of Sensory Abnormalities
   Discusses the role of the cerebellum and basal ganglia in sensory processing.
2. Wikipedia: Sensory Processing
   Provides an overview of sensory modalities and brain regions involved in processing sensory information.
3. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience: Sensory Processing Across Brain States
   Highlights how sensory processing changes across different brain states.
4. MDPI: Brain Mechanisms of Sensory Processing Disorder
   Focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying sensory processing disorders.
5. Khan Academy: Sensory Processing and the Brain
   Explains how the brain processes sensory information from different receptors.
6. UCSF: Brain’s Wiring Connected to Sensory Processing Disorder
   Discusses altered brain connectivity in individuals with sensory processing disorder.