Human Biology 4.2 Sensory Transduction

Sensation

awareness of stimulus

Perception

understanding of stimulus

General Sense

sense that is distributed throughout the body

Special Sense

sense that is dedicated to one organ

Free Nerve Ending

nonencapsulated dendrites on the end of a nerve

touch, pressure, slower because they are unmyelinated

Encapsulated Nerve Endings

dendrites are covered in tissue that make them more sensitive

proprioception, vibration, faster because they are myelinated

Receptor Cell

cell with structural components specific to a stimulus

Exteroceptor

receptor located near the stimulus or external environment

Interoceptor

receptor that interprets stimuli from internal organs

Proprioceptor

type of interoceptor located near a moving body part that detects position

Mechanoreceptors

detects physical feels, pressure, position, acceleration

Thermoreceptors

detects temperature

Nociceptors

detect tissue damage, cause pain

Chemoreceptors

detects chemicals, taste and smell

Osmoreceptors

detect changes in water and solute concentration throughout the body’s fluids

Photoreceptors

detect visible light

Baroreceptors

detects changes in pressure throughout the body’s internal systems

Tactile Receptors

detect physical touch, concentrated on fingertips and lips

Somatosensation

general sense associated with touch, propriception, and interoception

Capsaicin

active molecule in hot peppers that binds to nociceptors

Muscle Spindles

receptors within skeletal muscles that detect how much a muscle is being stretched

Golgi Tendon Organs

receptors within tendons that detect how much a muscle is being stretched

Visceral Pain

pain from internal organs

Somatic Pain

pain from skin, skeletal muscles, joints, and tendons

Referred Pain

pain from internal organs inaccurately projected onto the body’s surface

Sensory Adaptation

becoming less aware of stimulus with repeated or prolonged exposure