Final answer:
The somatosensory system is represented in the cortex through a topographic mapping known as the sensory homunculus. Having some parts of the body with more receptors than others results in larger representations in the somatosensory cortex. The 2-point threshold experiment measures the spatial resolution of the somatosensory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The somatosensory system is represented in the cortex through a topographic mapping known as the sensory homunculus. This mapping assigns specific areas of the cortex to different parts of the body based on the density of receptor cells in those parts. For example, parts of the body with more receptors, such as the fingers, have larger representations in the somatosensory cortex.
The consequence of having some parts of the body with more receptors than others in terms of cortical area is that those areas will have more neurons dedicated to processing sensory information from those parts. This allows for more precise sensory discrimination and control over those body parts.
The 2-point threshold experiment is a test used to measure the density of receptors and the spatial resolution of the somatosensory system. It involves determining the minimum distance between two points on the skin that can still be perceived as separate sensations. The smaller the 2-point threshold, the higher the density of receptors and the better the spatial resolution.