Sensory physiology
Read the topic background here, then explore the labeled visual and structured learning explanations on this page.
Read explanation on this page ↓ See diagram ↓Sensory nervous system — on-site reading
This reference extract addresses Sensory nervous system, a related subject. It does not cover every part of Sensory physiology.. The article introduction is reproduced here, so you do not need to leave MedAtlas to read it. It may not match the latest official medical guidance.
The sensory nervous system is a part of the nervous system responsible for processing sensory information. A sensory system consists of sensory neurons (including the sensory receptor cells), neural pathways, and parts of the brain involved in sensory perception and interoception. Commonly recognized sensory systems are those for vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, balance and visceral sensation. Sense organs are transducers that convert data from the outer physical world to the realm of the mind where people interpret the information, creating their perception of the world around them.
The receptive field is the area of the body or environment to which a receptor organ and receptor cells respond. For instance, the part of the world an eye can see, is its receptive field; the light that each rod or cone can see, is its receptive field. Receptive fields have been identified for the visual system, auditory system and somatosensory system.
How this connects to Physiology
To study this topic responsibly, identify its normal structure or function, distinguish the main mechanism from its observable consequences, and ask which data can test a competing explanation. The subject foundations below outline these connections without pretending to be a specialist textbook chapter.
Text credit: Wikipedia contributors, “Sensory nervous system”, original article · authors & revision history · CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified opening extract, accessed 24 September 2026. This Wikipedia-derived section is provided under CC BY-SA 4.0; the independent MedAtlas notes and design are separate works.
Sensory physiology · visual study map
Scalable vector illustration. Labeled conceptual map, not a precise anatomical, histological or diagnostic image.The wording in this learning map is adapted from the attributed Wikipedia background section below (CC BY-SA 4.0).
What the underlying subject studies
Physiology studies how living systems work rather than only what parts look like. Identify the regulated variable or input, the sensor or receptor, the control mechanisms and the resulting response. Connect events at the cell level to what occurs in an entire organ system.
How mechanisms and evidence connect
Most physiological processes are dynamic and interact through neural, hormonal, local and mechanical signals. For quantitative relationships, define what each variable means and the assumptions under which an equation holds before applying it to real data.
How to develop a sound explanation
Use a time-course or feedback diagram to show cause and effect. Compare normal conditions with an altered condition and explain which compensatory responses might occur, without assuming that compensation removes the original disturbance.
References and verification (optional)
All reading material on this page appears above. The links below are for checking the primary syllabus, research or source attribution, not requirements for opening this lesson.
NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗