Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

Anatomy & Physiology

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

Previous problemNext problem

2:39 minutes

Problem 18

Textbook Question

Normal balance depends on information transmitted from a number of sensory receptor types. Name at least three of these receptors.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that balance, or equilibrium, is maintained by the integration of sensory input from multiple receptor types in the body. These receptors provide information about body position, movement, and spatial orientation.

The first type of receptor involved in balance is the vestibular receptors located in the inner ear. These receptors detect changes in head position and motion through structures like the semicircular canals and otolith organs.

The second type of receptor is the visual receptors in the eyes. These receptors provide information about the environment and help the brain determine the body's position relative to external objects.

The third type of receptor is the proprioceptors found in muscles, tendons, and joints. These receptors sense the position and movement of body parts, contributing to the awareness of body posture and balance.

Recognize that the brain integrates input from these sensory receptors (vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive) to maintain balance and coordinate movements effectively.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Sensory Receptors

Sensory receptors are specialized cells that detect and respond to specific types of stimuli from the environment. They convert these stimuli into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system. Common types include photoreceptors for light, mechanoreceptors for pressure and touch, and chemoreceptors for chemical stimuli.

Types of Sensory Receptors

There are several types of sensory receptors, each tuned to different modalities of sensation. For example, thermoreceptors respond to temperature changes, nociceptors detect pain, and proprioceptors provide information about body position and movement. Understanding these types is crucial for comprehending how the body maintains balance and responds to its environment.

Normal Balance

Normal balance, or equilibrium, is the body's ability to maintain its center of mass over its base of support. It relies on the integration of sensory information from various receptors, including those in the vestibular system (inner ear), visual system, and proprioceptors in muscles and joints. This integration allows for coordinated movements and stability.

Watch next

Master Special Senses with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Otoliths (ear stones) are

a. A cause of deafness

b. A type of hearing aid

c. Important in equilibrium

d. The rock-hard petrous part of the temporal bones

407

views

Textbook Question

The structure that allows pressure in the middle ear to be equalized with atmospheric pressure is the

a. Pinna

b. Pharyngotympanic tube

c. Tympanic membrane

d. Oval window

639

views

Textbook Question

Which of the following is important in maintaining the balance of the body?

a. Visual cues

b. Semicircular canals

c. The saccule

d. Proprioceptors

e. All of these

337

views

Textbook Question

Juan tells his physician that he has been feeling dizzy, especially when he closes his eyes. He is asked to stand with his feet together and arms extended forward. As long as he keeps his eyes open, he exhibits very little movement. But when he closes his eyes, his body begins to sway a great deal, and his arms tend to drift together toward the left side of his body. Why does this occur?

420

views

Textbook Question

For each of the following descriptions, indicate whether it applies to a macula or a crista ampullaris: inside a semicircular canal; contains otoliths; responds to linear acceleration and deceleration; has a cupula; responds to rotational acceleration and deceleration; inside the vestibule.

424

views

Textbook Question

Taste buds are found on the

a. Anterior part of the tongue

b. Posterior part of the tongue

c. Palate

d. All of these

435

views

Textbook Question

Gustatory cells are: