PSYO 230 Chapter 8: The Sensorimotor System
17 Dec 2018
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Document Summary
In summary, the sensorimotor system is a parallel, functionally segregated, hierarchical system: the main difference between the sensory systems and the sensorimotor system is the primary direction of information flow. In sensory systems, info flows up through the hierarchy; The case of g. o. , the man with too little feedback. An infection had selectively destroyed the somatosensory nerves of g. o. "s arms. He had great difficulty performing intricate responses such as doing up his buttons or picking up coins, even under visual guidance. Other difficulties resulted from his inability to adjust his motor output in light of unanticipated external disturbances; for example, he could not keep from spilling a cup of coffee if somebody brushed against him. However, g. o. "s greatest problem was his inability to maintain a constant level of muscle contraction. The result of his infection was that even simple tasks requiring a constant motor output to the hand required continual visual monitoring.
