Senses

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Other names for Senses

five senses
sensory system
special senses

Synopsis of Senses

The senses are the body’s way of perceiving and interpreting the environment. They allow organisms to detect external and internal stimuli and respond accordingly. The five traditional senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—are part of the sensory nervous system, and each has specialized organs and receptors. In addition to these, scientists recognize other senses such as balance (vestibular sense), proprioception (body position awareness), and interoception (internal body awareness).

Each primary sense involves specific organs:

  • Sight (vision): Eyes detect light via photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina.

  • Hearing (auditory sense): Ears convert sound waves into electrical signals via the cochlea.

  • Smell (olfaction): Olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity detect airborne molecules.

  • Taste (gustation): Taste buds on the tongue perceive sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.

  • Touch (tactile sense): Skin contains mechanoreceptors that sense pressure, vibration, temperature, and pain.

These senses provide crucial information for survival, decision-making, communication, and enjoyment of life. They are closely integrated with the central nervous system, particularly the brainstem and cerebral cortex, which interpret sensory input.

Sensory function can be affected by injury, aging, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. Common issues include:

  • Vision problems: Myopia, cataracts, macular degeneration, or optic nerve damage.

  • Hearing loss: May result from age, loud noise exposure, infections, or nerve degeneration.

  • Anosmia or hyposmia: Loss or reduction of smell, sometimes due to infections or neurological disorders.

  • Taste disorders: Often related to zinc deficiency, infections, or medications.

  • Neuropathy: Damage to touch and temperature receptors, common in diabetes.

  • Vestibular disorders: Affect balance and spatial orientation, leading to dizziness or vertigo.

Preserving sensory health is essential for independence, cognitive function, and emotional well-being, especially in older adults.

Natural remedies to support Senses

Antioxidants (vitamin A, C, E): Protect sensory cells from oxidative damage.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Support nerve and retinal function, especially for vision and brain health.

Zinc: Critical for taste, smell, and immune function.

Magnesium and B vitamins: Support nerve conduction and sensory signal transmission.

Ginkgo biloba: May enhance circulation to the eyes, ears, and brain, improving sensory function.

Lutein and zeaxanthin: Carotenoids that protect the retina and prevent macular degeneration.

Ear protection and eye rest: Prevent noise- and light-related sensory strain.

Additional Help

Talk with Dr. Shannyn

Support your body’s core systems—intentionally.
Whether it’s your digestion, hormones, immune function, or nervous system, every body system works in harmony. Talk with Dr. Shannyn, our licensed naturopathic doctor, to explore which herbs or nutrients can support your unique physiology and help restore balance.

Schedule a Free Consult →
Personalized support. No pressure. No cost.

At-Home Lab Testing

Understand what’s disrupting your body’s balance.
Many imbalances in body systems—like fatigue, stress, inflammation, or poor detoxification—can be traced back to underlying dysfunctions. Our at-home lab tests help assess these areas so you can make more informed choices, with expert support from our ND.

Explore Lab Testing →
Results interpreted with expert support. No clinic visit required.