Suggest how humans might benefit from either: 1. A totally new sense in which yo

Question

Suggest how humans might benefit from either:

1. A totally new sense in which your new sense must be based on some identifiable form of physical or chemical energy that can stimulate new or existing sensory receptors.

OR

2. A substantially increased or decreased sensitivity in one of the traditional 5 senses.

Your suggestion must include the following:

- A clear identification of the new or expanded/diminished sensory capability. If you propose a new sense, include a description of what new sensory organs would be needed. If you propose expanded or diminished sensitivity in one of the traditional five senses, describe what changes would be needed at the sensory level to accomplish this change.

- Describe at least one existing pathway and at least one new pathway from the sensory organs to the areas of the cortex that would process and give meaning to the sensory input.

- A clear explanation about how you think this sensory capability could be used to improve one’s reproductive success by helping one find food, escape danger, find shelter, successfully mate, etc.

Explanation / Answer

1. Humans might benefit from increased or decreased sensitivity.

2. Traditionally different types of sensitivities are PAIN, TEMPERATURE, TOUCH, PRESSURE and VIBRATION.

3. Fot example, INCREASED TOUCH SENSITIVITY may help humans to become aware of a sensation which was not in the domain of their receptors previously, To accomplish these changes THERE MUST BE INCREASED RECEPTOR POTENTIAL and INCREASED SENSORY CODING upto the cortex.

4. Similarily DECREASED PAIN SENSITIVITY may help to increase the PAIN THRESHOLD. It may be acheived by increasind the threshold of FREE NERVE ENDINGS, ASIC channels, VANNILOID RECEPTORS etc,

5. Increased sensation e.g TOUCH may decraese the threshold for EROTIC STIMULI through various touch receptors,

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse S
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.