Understanding Sensory Receptors and Their Functions

Receptor Potential

Change in membrane potential due to stimulus.

Adaptation

Decrease in receptor response over time.

Exteroceptors

Receptors detecting external stimuli.

Visceroceptors

Receptors sensing internal organ conditions.

Proprioceptors

Receptors providing body position awareness.

Mechanoreceptors

Respond to mechanical pressure or distortion.

Chemoreceptors

Detect chemical stimuli in environment.

Thermoreceptors

Sense temperature changes in surroundings.

Nociceptors

Respond to potentially damaging stimuli.

Photoreceptors

Convert light into neural signals.

Referred Pain

Pain perceived at a location different from source.

Types of Touch

Includes light touch, deep pressure, vibration.

Proprioception

Awareness of body position and movement.

Above-threshold Receptor Potential

Stimulus intensity exceeds receptor activation level.

Sense of Pain

Critical for survival; alerts to injury or harm.

Temperature Senses

Multiple receptors for different temperature ranges.

Muscle Spindles

Proprioceptors detecting muscle stretch and length.

Golgi Tendon Organs

Proprioceptors sensing muscle tension and force.

Clothing Awareness Response

Adaptation reduces awareness of constant stimuli.

Neural Pathways for Taste

Involves cranial nerves for taste sensation.

Neural Pathways for Smell

Olfactory bulbs process scent information.

Eye Coats

Includes sclera, choroid, retina with distinct functions.

Vision in Dim Light

Utilizes rods for low-light vision.

Vision in Bright Light

Utilizes cones for color and detail.

Sensory Response and Age

Sensory perception often declines with aging.