Grounding Language in the Neglected Senses of Touch, Taste, and Smell
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On Physical Heat Regulation and the Sense of Temperature In
ON PHYSICAL HEAT REGULATION AND THE SENSE OF TEMPERA TURE IN MAN BY T. H. BENZINGER NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, BETHESDA, MARYLAND Communicated by Sterling Hendricks, February 26, 1959 Human physiology has given much of its attention to those systems which control in a multicellular organism the essential internal conditions: to respiration as it provides optimal concentrations of carbon dioxide, hydrogen ions and oxygen, to circulation as it maintains adequate blood flowrates and pressures, and to produc- tion and loss of energy as they are balanced through a regulatory mechanism for the maintenance of optimal body temperature. For the purpose of analysis, three main components may be distinguished with any regulatory system in physiology: 1. Specific sensory-receptor organs register the physical or chemical quantity that is to be regulated. They produce nerve impulses commensurate with the magnitude of this stimulus. 2. One or more effector organs act in response to the stimulus. This results in a return of the physical or chemical quantity registered toward the optimal level whereby the stimulus is reduced or abolished at the site of registration and else- where. 3. A coordinating center in the central nervous system receives the afferent nerve impulses. It produces efferent impulses which initiate or maintain the regulatory action of the effector organs. A physiological control mechanism cannot be considered clarified until its effector organs, center of coordination, and receptor sensory structures have been identified, and until the quantitative relations between causes and effects, that is, between physical or chemical stimuli and physiological responses, have been demonstrated. In this paper an attempt is described to clarify experimentally one of these mecha- nisms: the so-called "physical heat regulation"* of man. -
The Visual System: Higher Visual Processing
The Visual System: Higher Visual Processing Primary visual cortex The primary visual cortex is located in the occipital cortex. It receives visual information exclusively from the contralateral hemifield, which is topographically represented and wherein the fovea is granted an extended representation. Like most cortical areas, primary visual cortex consists of six layers. It also contains, however, a prominent stripe of white matter in its layer 4 - the stripe of Gennari - consisting of the myelinated axons of the lateral geniculate nucleus neurons. For this reason, the primary visual cortex is also referred to as the striate cortex. The LGN projections to the primary visual cortex are segregated. The axons of the cells from the magnocellular layers terminate principally within sublamina 4Ca, and those from the parvocellular layers terminate principally within sublamina 4Cb. Ocular dominance columns The inputs from the two eyes also are segregated within layer 4 of primary visual cortex and form alternating ocular dominance columns. Alternating ocular dominance columns can be visualized with autoradiography after injecting radiolabeled amino acids into one eye that are transported transynaptically from the retina. Although the neurons in layer 4 are monocular, neurons in the other layers of the same column combine signals from the two eyes, but their activation has the same ocular preference. Bringing together the inputs from the two eyes at the level of the striate cortex provide a basis for stereopsis, the sensation of depth perception provided by binocular disparity, i.e., when an image falls on non-corresponding parts of the two retinas. Some neurons respond to disparities beyond the plane of fixation (far cells), while others respond to disparities in front of the plane of the fixation (near cells). -
Thermoception
THE FOURTH VIRTUAL DIMENSION Stimulating the Human Senses to Create Virtual Atmospheric Qualities LIAM JORDAN SHEEHAN1, ANDRE BROWN2, MARC AUREL SCHNABEL3 and TANE MOLETA4 1,2,3,4Victoria University of Wellington [email protected] 2,3,4{Andre.Brown|MarcAurel.Schnabel| Tane.Moleta}@vuw.ac.nz Abstract. In a move away from the ubiquitous ocular-centric Virtual Environment, our paper introduces a novel approach to creating other atmospheric qualities within VR scenarios that can address the known shortcoming of the feeling of disembodiment. In particular, we focus on stimulating the human body’s sensory ability to detect temperature changes: thermoception. Currently, users’ perceptions of a 3D virtual environment are often limited by the general focus, in VR development for design, on the two senses of vision and spatialised audio. The processes that we have undertaken include developing individual sensory engagement techniques, refinement of sensory stimuli and the generation of virtual atmospheric qualities. We respond to Pallasmaa’s theoretical stance on the evolution of the human senses, and the western bias of vision in virtual engine development. Consequently, the paper investigates the role our senses, outside of the core ’five senses’, have in creating a ’fourth virtual dimension’. The thermoception dimension is explored in our research. A user can begin to understand and engage with space and the directionality within a virtual scenario, as a bodily response to the stimulation of the body’s thermoception sense. Keywords. Virtual Reality; thermoception; sensory experience; immersion; atmosphere. 1. Introduction Experience, more precisely Human Experience, is set against the backdrop of the perception of space. -
Visual Perceptual Skills
Super Duper® Handy Handouts!® Number 168 Guidelines for Identifying Visual Perceptual Problems in School-Age Children by Ann Stensaas, M.S., OTR/L We use our sense of sight to help us function in the world around us. It helps us figure out if something is near or far away, safe or threatening. Eyesight, also know as visual perception, refers to our ability to accurately identify and locate objects in our environment. Visual perception is an important component of vision that contributes to the way we see and interpret the world. What Is Visual Perception? Visual perception is our ability to process and organize visual information from the environment. This requires the integration of all of the body’s sensory experiences including sight, sound, touch, smell, balance, and movement. Most children are able to integrate these senses by the time they start school. This is important because approximately 75% of all classroom learning is visual. A child with even mild visual-perceptual difficulties will struggle with learning in the classroom and often in other areas of life. How Are Visual Perceptual Problems Diagnosed? A child with visual perceptual problems may be diagnosed with a visual processing disorder. He/she may be able to easily read an eye chart (acuity) but have difficulty organizing and making sense of visual information. In fact, many children with visual processing disorders have good acuity (i.e., 20/20 vision). A child with a visual-processing disorder may demonstrate difficulty discriminating between certain letters or numbers, putting together age-appropriate puzzles, or finding matching socks in a drawer. -
AN OT's Toolbox : Making the Most out of Visual Processing and Motor Processing Skills
AN OT’s Toolbox : Making the Most out of Visual Processing and Motor Processing Skills Presented by Beth Kelley, OTR/L, MIMC FOTA 2012 By Definition Visual Processing Motor Processing is is the sequence of steps synonymous with Motor that information takes as Skills Disorder which is it flows from visual any disorder characterized sensors to cognitive by inadequate development processing.1 of motor coordination severe enough to restrict locomotion or the ability to perform tasks, schoolwork, or other activities.2 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_ processing 2. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Motor+skills+disorder Visual Processing What is Visual Processing? What are systems involved with Visual Processing? Is Visual Processing the same thing as vision? Review general anatomy of the eye. Review general functions of the eye. -Visual perception and the OT’s role. -Visual-Motor skills and why they are needed in OT treatment. What is Visual Processing “Visual processing is the sequence of steps that information takes as it flows from visual sensors to cognitive processing1” 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Processing What are the systems involved with Visual Processing? 12 Basic Processes are as follows: 1. Vision 2. Visual Motor Processing 3. Visual Discrimination 4. Visual Memory 5. Visual Sequential Memory 6. Visual Spatial Processing 7. Visual Figure Ground 8. Visual Form Constancy 9. Visual Closure 10. Binocularity 11.Visual Accommodation 12.Visual Saccades 12 Basic Processes are: 1. Vision The faculty or state of being able to see. The act or power of sensing with the eyes; sight. The Anatomy of Vision 6 stages in Development of the Vision system Birth to 4 months 4-6 months 6-8 months 8-12 months 1-2 years 2-3 years At birth babies can see patterns of light and dark. -
Identification & Intervention with Sensory Processing
An Introduction to Identification & Intervention for Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Location: University of Alaska Anchorage Date: May 13, 2009 Time: 8:30am to 12:00pm Jackie Brown, OTR/L Occupational Therapist Registered, Licensed Sensory Integration Certified Therapist #1602 Modulated and Advanced Therapeutic Listening Training All For Kids Pediatric Therapy Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Supervisor 8200 Homer Drive, Unit F Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: (907) 345-0050 Email: [email protected] Website: www.allforkidsalaska.com Presentation Objectives WHAT IS IT? Define terms related to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Identify behaviors (signs and symptoms) associated with sensory processing difficulties. WHO DISCOVERED IT? WHERE HAVE WE BEEN? WHERE ARE WE GOING? Understand a brief history and look into current research. HOW DOES IT WORK? Identify the various sensory systems and their functions. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? Identify model of understand and describing Sensory Processing Disorders. WHEN DO I ACT and WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? Identify when to refer a client to a specialist for a screening or evaluation. WHAT DO I DO NOW? Become familiar with simple intervention techniques to put into practice. What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy is the scientifically based use of purposeful activity (or occupation) with individuals who are affected by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning disabilities, or the aging process, in order to maximize independence, prevent disability, and promote health. WHAT IS SPD? What is Sensory Processing or Sensory Integration (SI)? Definitions The neurological process that organizes sensation form ones body and the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment. -
Anatomy and Physiology of the Afferent Visual System
Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Vol. 102 (3rd series) Neuro-ophthalmology C. Kennard and R.J. Leigh, Editors # 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved Chapter 1 Anatomy and physiology of the afferent visual system SASHANK PRASAD 1* AND STEVEN L. GALETTA 2 1Division of Neuro-ophthalmology, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 2Neuro-ophthalmology Division, Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA INTRODUCTION light without distortion (Maurice, 1970). The tear–air interface and cornea contribute more to the focusing Visual processing poses an enormous computational of light than the lens does; unlike the lens, however, the challenge for the brain, which has evolved highly focusing power of the cornea is fixed. The ciliary mus- organized and efficient neural systems to meet these cles dynamically adjust the shape of the lens in order demands. In primates, approximately 55% of the cortex to focus light optimally from varying distances upon is specialized for visual processing (compared to 3% for the retina (accommodation). The total amount of light auditory processing and 11% for somatosensory pro- reaching the retina is controlled by regulation of the cessing) (Felleman and Van Essen, 1991). Over the past pupil aperture. Ultimately, the visual image becomes several decades there has been an explosion in scientific projected upside-down and backwards on to the retina understanding of these complex pathways and net- (Fishman, 1973). works. Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the visual The majority of the blood supply to structures of the system, in combination with skilled examination, allows eye arrives via the ophthalmic artery, which is the first precise localization of neuropathological processes. -
“Lacking Warmth” Alexithymia Trait Is Related to Warm-Specific Thermal Somatosensory Processing
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by UCL Discovery Biological Psychology 128 (2017) 132–140 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Biological Psychology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/biopsycho “Lacking warmth”: Alexithymia trait is related to warm-specific thermal MARK somatosensory processing ⁎ Khatereh Borhania,b,c,d, Elisabetta Làdavasb,c, Aikaterini Fotopouloue, Patrick Haggarda, a Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK b Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy c CSRNC, Centre for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Bologna, Viale Europa 980, 47521 Cesena, Italy d Institute of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran e Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Alexithymia is a personality trait involving deficits in emotional processing. The personality construct has been Alexithymia extensively validated, but the underlying neural and physiological systems remain controversial. One theory Somatosensory processig suggests that low-level somatosensory mechanisms act as somatic markers of emotion, underpinning cognitive Emotion processing and affective impairments in alexithymia. In two separate samples (total N = 100), we used an established Quantitative sensory testing (QST) Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery to probe multiple neurophysiological submodalities of somato- Thermal perception sensation, and investigated their associations with the widely-used Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Experiment one found reduced sensitivity to warmth in people with higher alexithymia scores, compared to individuals with lower scores, without deficits in other somatosensory submodalities. Experiment two replicated this result in a new group of participants using a full-sample correlation between threshold for warm detection and TAS-20 scores. -
Sensitisation of Nociceptors – What Are Ion Channels Doing?
82 The Open Pain Journal, 2010, 3, 82-96 Open Access Sensitisation of Nociceptors – What are Ion Channels Doing? Michael J.M. Fischer*, Stephanie W.Y. Mak and Peter A. McNaughton Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, UK Abstract: Nociceptors are peripheral sensory neurones which respond to painful (noxious) stimuli. The terminals of nociceptors, which have a high threshold to stimulation in their native state, undergo a process known as sensitisation, or lowering of threshold, following injury or inflammation. Amongst sensory receptors, sensitisation is a property unique to nociceptors. A shift in the stimulus-response function of nociceptors renders them more sensitive, resulting in both a reduction in the activation threshold, such that previously non-noxious stimuli are perceived as noxious (allodynia) and an increased response to suprathreshold stimuli (hyperalgesia). Sensitisation protects us from harm and is essential for survival, but it can be disabling in conditions of chronic inflammation. This review focuses on three stages in sensitisation: 1) Inflammatory mediators, which are released from damaged resident cells and from others that invade in response to inflammation, and include bradykinin, prostaglandins, serotonin, low pH, ATP, neurotrophins, nitric oxide and cytokines; 2) Intracellular signalling molecules which are important in transmitting the actions of inflammatory mediators and include protein kinase A and C, Src kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinases and the membrane lipid PIP2; and 3) Ion channel targets of intracellular signalling which ultimately cause sensitisation and include the temperature- sensitive transient receptor potential channels, acid-sensitive ion channels, purinoceptor-gated channels, and the voltage- sensitive sodium, potassium, calcium and HCN channels. -
Sensory Processing Disorder with Strategies for Learning Behavior
Sensory Processing Disorder with Strategies for learning Behavior and Social Skills Description: Understanding and learning to recognize the sensory needs of the children who have spectrum processing disorder. Bonnie Vos, MS, O.T.R./L History of Diagnosis Autism criterion Autism not it’s better defined, # Subtype own diagnostic of diagnosis s are category increased rapidly DSM I DSM II DSM II DSM DSM IV DSM V 1952 1968 1980 III-R 1992 2013 1987 Autism not it’s Autism New subtypes are own diagnostic becomes its added, now 16 category own diagnostic behaviors are category characteristic (must have 6 to qualify) History of Diagnosis 1. New name (Autism Spectrum Disorder) 2. One diagnosis-no subcategories 3. Now 2 domains (social and repetitive) 4. Symptom list is consolidated 5. Severity rating added 6. Co-morbid diagnosis is now permitted 7. Age onset criterion removed 8. New diagnosis: Social (pragmatic) Communication disorder What is Autism • http://www.parents.com/health/autism/histo ry-of-autism/ Coding of the brain • One theory of how the brain codes is using a library metaphor. • Books=experiences • Subjects areas are representations of the main neuro- cognitive domains: • The subjects are divided into 3 sections: 1. Sensory: visual, auditory, ect. 2. Integrated skills: motor planning (praxis), language 3. Abilities: social and cognitive • Designed as a model for ideal development The Brain Library • Each new experience creates a book associated with the subject area that are active during the experience • Books are symbolic of whole or parts of experiences • The librarian in our brain – Analyzes – Organizes – Stores – Retrieves Brain Library • The earliest experiences or sensory inputs begin writing the books that will eventually fill the foundational sections of our brain Libraries – Sensory integration begins in-utero – Example: vestibular=14 weeks in-utero – Example: Auditory=20 weeks in-utero Brain Library 1. -
Effects of Language on Visual Perception
Effects of Language on Visual Perception Gary Lupyan1a, Rasha Abdel Rahmanb, Lera Boroditskyc, Andy Clarkd aUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison bHumboldt-Universität zu Berlin cUniversity of California San Diego dUniversity of Sussex Abstract Does language change what we perceive? Does speaking different languages cause us to perceive things differently? We review the behavioral and elec- trophysiological evidence for the influence of language on perception, with an emphasis on the visual modality. Effects of language on perception can be observed both in higher-level processes such as recognition, and in lower-level processes such as discrimination and detection. A consistent finding is that language causes us to perceive in a more categorical way. Rather than being fringe or exotic, as they are sometimes portrayed, we discuss how effects of language on perception naturally arise from the interactive and predictive nature of perception. Keywords: language; perception; vision; categorization; top-down effects; prediction “Even comparatively simple acts of perception are very much more at the mercy of the social patterns called words than we might suppose.” [1]. “No matter how influential language might be, it would seem preposter- ous to a physiologist that it could reach down into the retina and rewire the ganglion cells” [2]. 1Correspondence: [email protected] Preprint submitted to Trends in Cognitive Sciences August 22, 2020 Language as a form of experience that affects perception What factors influence how we perceive the world? For example, what makes it possible to recognize the object in Fig. 1a? Or to locate the ‘target’ in Fig. 1b? Where is the head of the bird in Fig. -
Sensory Processing Disorder
SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER Joan Berg Executive Director River Valley Riders Sensory Processing Disorder As PATH Intl. professionals and volunteers it is important to understand why our clients seem to have sensory difficulties. Then learn how to help them adapt in our sensory laden environment. Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Sensory Processing involves the brains ability to organize and understand an array of incoming sensory information entering the brain at the same time. Sensory Processing Disorder Sensory processing is fundamental to the development of all motor and social skills. This is a filtering system to determine pathways for incoming sensory information. There are the familiar senses of sight, taste, smell, and hearing, but sensory processing involves 3 additional specialized sensory systems, which are very influential with regard to how effectively we recognize and organize incoming sensory information. These are: • Tactile System: how our body perceives touch • Proprioceptive System: how are body perceives where we are in space • Vestibular System: how are body perceives directionality and sense of movement. Some people with sensory processing disorder are oversensitive to things in their environment. This could manifest in: • Being uncoordinated • Bumping into things • Being unable to tell where their limbs are in space • Being hard to engage in conversation or play Sensory Processing Disorder Sensory processing disorder may affect one sense, like hearing, touch, or taste. Or it may affect multiple senses. People can be over or under responsive to the things they have difficulties with.