Types of Neurons and Sensory Systems Overview

Sensory Neurons

Afferent neurons carrying information to CNS.

Motor Neurons

Efferent neurons transmitting signals from CNS.

Interneurons

Relay neurons connecting sensory and motor neurons.

Peripheral Nervous System

Nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System

Brain and spinal cord; processes information.

Mammalian Hearing

Sensory perception initiated by sound waves.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensory receptors responding to mechanical stimuli.

Cochlea

Inner ear structure housing hair cells.

Hair Cells

Mechanoreceptors converting sound vibrations to impulses.

Action Potentials

Electrical impulses transmitting information in neurons.

Vertebrate Sight

Sensory perception initiated by light photons.

Photoreceptors

Cells in retina detecting light; rods and cones.

Rhodopsin

Photopigment in rods sensitive to light.

Photopsins

Photopigments in cones; detect color light.

Optic Nerve

Transmits visual information from retina to brain.

Membrane Potential

Voltage difference across a cell membrane.

Ion Channels

Proteins allowing ions to enter or exit cells.