visceroception

Visceroception is the sensory modality through which we perceive the internal state of our body, specifically the organs within our torso. It is the sense that informs us about the condition of our viscera, such as the stomach, intestines, heart, lungs, bladder, and other internal organs. Unlike exteroception, which deals with external stimuli like touch and sight, or proprioception, which concerns body position and movement, visceroception focuses on internal physiological signals.

These signals are detected by specialized sensory receptors called interoceptors, located within the walls of the visceral organs and associated structures. These receptors respond to various stimuli, including mechanical stretch, chemical changes, temperature, and inflammation. The information gathered by these interoceptors is transmitted to the brain via afferent nerve pathways, primarily through the vagus nerve and spinal nerves.

Visceroception plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment. For instance, signals from the stomach regarding fullness or emptiness contribute to our sense of hunger and satiety, influencing eating behaviors. Sensations from the bladder signal the need to urinate, and signals from the lungs can indicate difficulty breathing.

While often operating below conscious awareness, visceral sensations can also manifest as conscious perceptions, such as feelings of pain, discomfort, or pleasure. Visceral pain, for example, can be diffuse and poorly localized, often referred to other parts of the body due to shared neural pathways. Dysregulation of visceroception is implicated in various functional gastrointestinal disorders and other conditions where altered bodily awareness contributes to symptoms.