Exteroception
Exteroception
Exteroception (pronounced: ex·tero·cep·tion, /ˌekstərōˈsepSH(ə)n/) is a term used in the field of neuroscience to describe the sensory process that involves perceiving the outside world. The term is derived from the Latin words 'exterus' meaning 'outside' and 'ceptio' meaning 'perception'.
Definition
Exteroception refers to the sensory perception of the external environment. This includes the perception of stimuli originating outside the body, such as touch, sound, vision, and smell. It is contrasted with interoception, which refers to the perception of internal bodily sensations.
Function
Exteroceptive senses provide information about the body's interaction with its environment. They play a crucial role in survival, as they allow organisms to perceive threats and opportunities in their surroundings. For example, the exteroceptive sense of vision allows us to see potential dangers or food sources, while the sense of touch helps us navigate our physical environment.
Related Terms
- Proprioception: The sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.
- Nociception: The sensory nervous system's response to certain harmful or potentially harmful stimuli.
- Thermoception: The sense by which an organism perceives temperature.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Exteroception
- Wikipedia's article - Exteroception
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