Human Sensory Organs - Introduction

The human nervous system performs the critical task of keeping our body healthy and safe. It receives and processes information about the external environment to react and communicate with the body parts and organs. The first module explains the need for senses in the human body and describes the differences between general and special senses. The receptors for general senses run throughout the body, while for special senses, specific organs act as receptors. The eye is one such organ that starts working from the moment you wake up as it receives constant information. You will learn how the eye translates light into image signals, which are then processed by our brains.

Next, you will study the organ that helps us to enjoy the pleasures of music and laughter or even react to loud sounds. It is the ear, which uses bones and fluid to transform sound waves into sound signals. Did you know that the ear plays an important role in keeping your balance? The special reflexes of the human nervous system will also be discussed, including which part of your brain co-ordinates them. Our brains also interpret the signals stimulated by the chemicals in the air and this is how we detect fragrances and aromas. Learn more about the nose and our nasal chambers as you progress through the course.

Finally, if you have ever wondered about those small bumps on the top of your tongue, then in this course you will be able to decipher the science of the tongue, which is the home of the taste buds. Have you ever wondered how we taste things? Understand which nerves have a role in interpreting the sense of taste and in which part of the brain this interpretation takes place. This tutorial will be of great interest to the students of biology or medical sciences as you demystify words like epiglottis, larynx, cerumen and tympanic membrane. You will gain basic information to start building a career in general healthcare.