1. To provide awareness of the environment: Sensory information allows us to perceive the world around us, including visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile stimuli. This awareness enables us to navigate our surroundings, avoid danger, and interact with objects and people.

2. To guide motor control: Sensory information plays a crucial role in coordinating movement and maintaining balance. For example, proprioception (sense of body position) and kinesthesia (sense of movement) help us to know where our limbs are in space and how they are moving. This information is vital for smooth and efficient movement.

3. To regulate internal states: Sensory information also influences our internal bodily functions, such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion. For example, the sight and smell of food can stimulate saliva production, while the sound of a loud noise can trigger a fight-or-flight response.

These three functions work together to create a seamless experience of the world and allow us to interact with it in a meaningful way.