Question

George touches a baby lamb at the local petting zoo. George says the lamb feels "soft." The softness of the fur is a result of how the feel of the lamb was processed in George's \(\quad\) system. a. autonomic nervous b. endocrine c. parasympathetic nervous d. somatic nervous

Short answer

d. somatic nervous system

Step-by-step solution

We have four options to choose from: a. autonomic nervous system b. endocrine system c. parasympathetic nervous system d. somatic nervous system It's essential to know the primary functions of each system before deciding which is responsible for processing the sensation of touch. #Step 2: Evaluate the autonomic nervous system#

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls the involuntary functions of the body, such as digestion and heart rate. While it plays a crucial role in the body's overall function, it is not primarily responsible for processing the sensation of touch. #Step 3: Evaluate the endocrine system#

The endocrine system consists of glands that produce and secrete hormones to regulate various functions, such as metabolism, growth, and sexual development. This system deals with chemical messages rather than sensory input, so it does not process the sensation of touch. #Step 4: Evaluate the parasympathetic nervous system#

The parasympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system and is responsible for regulating the "rest and digest" response, helping the body to conserve energy and function optimally. While it plays a role in overall function and is intertwined with the nervous system, it does not specifically process the sensation of touch. #Step 5: Evaluate the somatic nervous system#

The somatic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for voluntary control of body movements and processing sensory information from the environment. Sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature are processed through the SNS, which sends signals to the brain to be interpreted. #Step 6: Choose the correct answer#

Since the somatic nervous system is responsible for processing sensory information such as touch, the correct answer is: d. somatic nervous system.

Key concepts

Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to the way our body interprets stimuli from the environment and turns them into responses or sensations. When George touches the soft fur of a baby lamb, his sensory receptors in the skin send signals to the brain via the somatic nervous system. This system is like the body's messaging service, making sure the brain receives detailed information about the touch, such as texture and temperature. The brain then processes this information and responds with an appropriate reaction—for instance, George describing the sensation as 'soft'.

It is this intricate network of nerves and sensory organs that also allows us to experience pain, pressure, and other tactile sensations. Ensuring that students understand this process can help demystify how we interact with the world around us at a sensory level.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions. This includes regulating heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, and more—all without conscious effort. Think of it as the body's autopilot. While the ANS is critical for survival, it operates largely in the background, unlike the somatic nervous system that handles sensory processing and voluntary movements.

There are two main subdivisions within the ANS: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Understanding the role of the ANS can clear up confusion and enrich a student's appreciation for the complexity of the body's control systems.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system is all about hormones, the chemical messengers of the body. This system isn't involved in sensory processing like the somatic nervous system; instead, it regulates long-term processes such as growth, development, and metabolism. It includes various glands such as the thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands, each secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream.

These hormones then travel to different parts of the body to elicit changes, for instance, insulin from the pancreas helps regulate blood sugar levels. By understanding the endocrine system, students can differentiate between the immediate, sensory experiences governed by the nervous system and the slow, regulatory functions controlled by hormones.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is one part of the ANS focusing on 'rest and digest' activities. After the thrill of a 'fight or flight' response induced by the sympathetic nervous system, the PNS helps to calm the body down. It conserves energy by slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal and gland activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles in the digestive tract.

The PNS, while crucial for maintaining balance in the body's resource use, does not have a direct role in sensory processing like tactile sensations. Understanding the PNS's specific contributions can prevent confusion with the somatic nervous system and highlight the distinct functions of different parts of the nervous system.