Perception is the process by which an individual perceives a certain sensation.
When the brain, the higher level of the nervous system, receives signals from the active sensory receptors, perception takes place.
The brain then makes a distinction between the sensory stimuli through a sensory pathway.
. The action potentials then pass through the neurons that are specifically targeted by a stimulus, and these targeted neurons connect with the targeted neurons in the brain or spinal cord.
With the exception of the olfactory system, all sensory impulses travel through the central nervous system to the thalamus and the relevant area of the cortex.
The thalamus serves as a clearinghouse and relay station for motor or sensory impulses, and when these signals leave the thalamus, they are carried to a particular region of the cortex that is responsible for further processing that sense.
When light strikes a surface, it is reflected by the surface and produces a simulation in our eyes.
This is one example of sensory perception.
Another illustration is how our touch senses are activated and we feel the warmth everytime we grasp a cup that is holding a hot beverage.
