Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which system provides feedback regarding the position and movement of the body in relation to a supporting surface?

1. Auditory system

2. Visual system

3. Vestibular system

4. Somatosensory system

The correct answer is: Somatosensory system

The somatosensory system is responsible for providing critical feedback about the position and movement of the body in relation to supportive surfaces. This system incorporates signals from various sensory receptors located in the skin, muscles, joints, and tendons. When you make movements or change your posture, these receptors send information to the central nervous system regarding body position (proprioception) and tactile sensations. This feedback is essential for maintaining balance and coordinating actions, especially when interacting with different surfaces, as it helps the body adjust and respond to changes in the environment. Without this system, the ability to perform everyday activities that require balance, such as walking on an uneven surface or standing, would be significantly compromised. Other systems contribute to body awareness as well, but they do not focus primarily on the feedback related to the supporting surface like the somatosensory system does. For instance, the visual system provides information about the external environment, while the vestibular system is crucial for maintaining balance and spatial orientation, mainly through inner ear structures. The auditory system, while important for hearing, does not relate to positional feedback in the same way.