Final answer:
Reception is the first step in sensation where sensory receptors are activated by stimuli, while integration involves processing the received stimuli in the nervous system to generate a response. This process helps us understand the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reception is the first step in sensation, where sensory receptors are activated by various stimuli such as mechanical, chemical, or temperature.
Different senses have different receptive fields, meaning they can respond to stimuli at different distances.
For example, touch requires physical contact, hearing can sense sounds from moderate distances, and vision can perceive light from faraway sources.
After reception, the sensory information is processed in the nervous system in a step called integration. Integration involves comparing the received stimuli with other stimuli, memories, or the individual's current state to generate a specific response.
For instance, when seeing a baseball pitched, the batter considers factors like the trajectory and speed before deciding whether to swing.
This process of giving meaning to stimuli is crucial for our understanding of the world around us and helps us navigate our environment effectively. Our senses provide important information for finding nourishment, seeking shelter, maintaining relationships, and avoiding potential dangers.