Describing the Roles of Sensory Receptors, Sensory Neurons and Specialized Sensory Receptors
Sensory neurons are nerve cells within the nervous system that convert external stimuli from an individual’s environment into internal electrical impulses that can be transmitted from one neuron to another. For example, taste buds located in our mouth are sensory neurons that work with olfactory receptors in order to determine the flavour of the food. They are able to do this, in simple terms, because a stimulus activated a dendrite, or in most cases thousands of dendrites. Sensory receptors are the dendrites of sensory neurons that receive special kinds of stimuli. Sensory receptors are classified by three methods: receptor complexity, location, and type of stimulus detected. The main classification for sensory receptors is the type of …show more content…
• Chemoreceptors: Certain chemicals stimulate chemoreceptors. o The tongue contains taste buds that detect various particles in the food we eat. o The nose has olfactory senses that detect odours in the air. o Other chemoreceptors detect changes in the internal environment. For example, chemoreceptors in the carotid arteries and aorta detect blood pH.
• Nociceptors: Respond to a variety of stimuli associated with tissue damage. The brain interprets the pain.
• Thermoreceptors: Thermoreceptors in the skin detect heat and cold (temperature).
• Photoreceptors: Light energy stimulates photoreceptors. Our eyes contain photoreceptors, called rods and cones, which absorb light and allow us to sense different levels of light and shades of colour. Rods are found near the edge of the retina, require less energy to activate, and help in low-light situations (scotopic vision). Cones are more centralized, require more energy, and activate to different wavelengths, which gives things
Sensory neurons are nerve cells within the nervous system that convert external stimuli from an individual’s environment into internal electrical impulses that can be transmitted from one neuron to another. For example, taste buds located in our mouth are sensory neurons that work with olfactory receptors in order to determine the flavour of the food. They are able to do this, in simple terms, because a stimulus activated a dendrite, or in most cases thousands of dendrites. Sensory receptors are the dendrites of sensory neurons that receive special kinds of stimuli. Sensory receptors are classified by three methods: receptor complexity, location, and type of stimulus detected. The main classification for sensory receptors is the type of …show more content…
• Chemoreceptors: Certain chemicals stimulate chemoreceptors. o The tongue contains taste buds that detect various particles in the food we eat. o The nose has olfactory senses that detect odours in the air. o Other chemoreceptors detect changes in the internal environment. For example, chemoreceptors in the carotid arteries and aorta detect blood pH.
• Nociceptors: Respond to a variety of stimuli associated with tissue damage. The brain interprets the pain.
• Thermoreceptors: Thermoreceptors in the skin detect heat and cold (temperature).
• Photoreceptors: Light energy stimulates photoreceptors. Our eyes contain photoreceptors, called rods and cones, which absorb light and allow us to sense different levels of light and shades of colour. Rods are found near the edge of the retina, require less energy to activate, and help in low-light situations (scotopic vision). Cones are more centralized, require more energy, and activate to different wavelengths, which gives things