An Introduction to Sensory Systems

Sensory Systems

In this course, Professor Jon Scott (University of Leicester) takes us through the “sensory systems”. This begins with: (i) an overview of sensory systems, describing how the body receives and processes sensory stimuli; before the discussing some of the specialised senses including; (ii) touch and how our skin is adapted to process this mechanical stimulation; (iii) pain, the concept of nociception and how we manage and treat pain; (iv) vision, an introduction to the structure of the eye and how its specialised cells sense and process light; and finally (v) hearing where we break down the inner workings of the ear and the specialised structures within.

An Introduction to Sensory Systems

In this first mini-lecture, we begin with an overview of the human “sensory systems”. We introduce how the human body senses, via the general sensory system or through special senses such as vision or hearing. We then move on to discussing the ways in which we receive sensory stimuli, such as through touch or light. To finish off, we then examine the various mechanisms used by the human body to understand and process these sensory stimuli.