Recognizing the Function of Sensory Nerves and Their Disorders

The function of sensory nerves is as a nerve network in charge of receiving stimulation from outside the body into the muscles, glands, and skin. This allows the body to respond accordingly to the stimuli provided. Sensory nerves are responsible for touch stimuli, temperature or pain. Sensory nerves belong to the peripheral nervous system or peripheral nervous system. In contrast to the central nervous system found in the brain and spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system is outside of these two locations.

Somatosensory System

Talking about the function of sensory nerves, there is something called the somatosensory system. This system is part of the sensory system. With this system, you will realize when there are stimuli from outside. Stimuli in the form of touch, movement, vibration, pressure, position changes, pain and temperature, received from the skin, muscles, and joints. The journey of this stimulus to get to the brain through a long process. Parts of the spinal cord also participate in this. The spinal cord consists of nerve fibers that transmit stimulation signals to the brain, so that the body can process information from sensations caused by these stimuli, then respond to it.

Receive Pain Stimulation Through Nociceptors

The appearance of pain is also part of sensory nerve function. Parts of the body that receive pain are called nociceptors. If your skin comes in contact with hot or cold objects, the sensation will be received by the sensory nerves. Likewise with pain if the skin is scratched by something rough or sharp. The workings of these nociceptor cells are unique. Activities can vary each time. The way cells receive or process stimuli also varies. This makes the pain you feel is also different both the sensation and quality. There is pain that can still be held back and can be ignored, there is only a slight pain, there is also an unbearable feeling.

Numbness Due to Impaired Sensory Nerve Function

Impaired peripheral nervous system, can cause interference with sensory nerve function. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition in which there is a disruption in the course of the body's excitatory, so you are unable to feel or respond to existing stimuli. Sensory nerve function in the disrupted muscle can cause muscles to feel weak, such as not powered. Meanwhile, on the skin, it becomes no longer sensitive to touch, temperature, or pain. Symptoms include leg or hand experiencing numbness, tingling, or even pain such as burning, or prickling. Complaints in peripheral neuropathy usually occur slowly over time. At first you may feel your hands or feet feeling weak, then it continues to be difficult to make coordinating movements, such as holding objects, buttoning clothes, or walking. It can even cause balance disorders and also the emergence of injuries that are not realized. The actual cause of peripheral neuropathy is not known with certainty. However, it is quite common in diabetics. This makes sense, because the condition of high sugar in a long time can indeed damage nerve function, including sensory nerve function. In other conditions, peripheral neuropathy can also be experienced when consuming excessive alcoholic drinks, taking drugs, or due to pressure or injury to nerves, for example due to accidents, strokes, or tumors. By knowing the sensory nerve function for the body, and the symptoms of sensory nerve dysfunction, you can be more alert. So hopefully, you can immediately see a doctor if you experience complaints as explained.