Which term refers to the ability of the central nervous system to process sensory information?

Sensory processing is the term that specifically refers to the ability of the central nervous system to receive, interpret, and respond to sensory information from the environment. This function allows individuals to make sense of what they see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, enabling them to react appropriately to various stimuli. Sensory processing is crucial for everyday functioning, as it influences behavior, emotional regulation, and overall perception of the world.

The other options relate to sensory experiences but do not define the processing ability itself. Sensory overload describes a situation in which the sensory input exceeds the capacity of the nervous system to process it, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed. Sensory defensiveness refers to an aversive reaction to certain sensory stimuli, which can affect a person's ability to engage with the environment positively. Sensory seeking involves the behavior of individuals actively looking for sensory experiences to satisfy their needs for stimulation. While these terms are related to the way individuals experience and respond to sensory information, they do not specifically denote the central nervous system's capability to process that information.