What are the five special senses in humans?

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The five special senses in humans are sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. These senses are classified as "special" because they are associated with specific organs and involve complex sensory pathways that process environmental stimuli.

Sight (vision) is facilitated by the eyes, where light is converted into neural signals. Hearing (auditory perception) is achieved through the ears, which detect sound waves and translate them into signals that the brain interprets as sound. Taste (gustation) occurs through the taste buds on the tongue, which respond to different chemical substances. Smell (olfaction) happens through receptors in the nasal cavity that detect airborne molecules. Finally, touch (somatosensation) encompasses a range of sensations associated with pressure, temperature, and pain, primarily mediated by sensory receptors in the skin.

The other options present alternative terms or combinations that do not accurately represent the established five special senses. For instance, mentioning "pressure" or "detecting" suggests a broader interpretation of touch that may include non-specialized sensory capabilities, which differ from the recognized five senses that each has a distinct organ and function.

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