Neuroscience: A Journey Through the Brain
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The Major Systems: Sensory Systems

Multicellular organisms must be able to detect chemicals and other stimuli in both the internal and external environments. Humans have developed specialized sensory systems that can detect and process the stimuli present in our environment.

There are several divisions within the sensory systems in the human brain:

• Chemical Senses

• The Visual System

• The Auditory System

• The Somatic Sensory System

While all these systems differ, there are common themes throughout. Most sensory systems work by transducing environmental stimuli into electrical information that can be carried in the brain by neurons. All sensory systems are mediated by the thalamus, which acts as a relay center for sensory information.

Created and Maintained by: Melissa Davies
Last Updated: April 09, 2002 09:01 PM