Which of the following are sensory system structures?

• A. Heart
• B. Eyes, Ears, Mouth, Nose, Throat, Skin
• C. Brain, Spinal Cord
• D. Lungs, Diaphragm

Answer: (C)

Understanding how the sensory system works: receptors detect stimuli and the brain and spinal cord interpret and coordinate what we feel, see, hear, taste, and touch. The brain and spinal cord are where incoming sensory signals are processed, integrated, and turned into perceptions and responses, so they are essential parts of how the sensory system functions.

The heart and lungs are involved in circulation and respiration, not sensing. The list that includes sensory organs like eyes, ears, skin, and others covers the sensory receptors, but without the central processing centers, sensing information wouldn’t be interpreted. That combination makes brain and spinal cord the best choice for describing sensory system structures.