Classification of Somatic Senses The somatic senses can be classified into three
physiologic types: (1) the mechanoreceptive somatic senses, which include both tactile and position sensations that are stimulated by mechanical displacement of some tissue of the body; (2) the
thermoreceptive senses, which detect heat and cold; and (3) the pain sense, which is activated by
factors that damage the tissues.
Other Classifications of Somatic Sensations. Somatic sensations are also often grouped together in other classes, as follows. Exteroreceptive sensations are those from the surface of the body. Proprioceptive sensations are those relating to the
physical state of the body, including position sensations, tendon and muscle sensations, pressure
sensations from the bottom of the feet, and even the sensation of equilibrium (which is often
considered a ―special‖ sensation rather than a somatic sensation).
