Receptors, Sensory
| Definition: |
Specialized neurons or parts of neurons which transduce sensory information and relay it centrally. Included are receptors for stimuli outside the body (exteroceptors) as well as receptors for stimuli from within the body itself (interoceptors and proprioceptors). Sensory receptors may include accessory structures which condition (e.g., filter) the input received by the receptor neurons themselves. |
| Notes: |
DF: RECEPT SENSORY |
| Also Called: |
Nerve Endings, Sensory |
Receptors, Sensory Categories.
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Chemoreceptors - Cells specialized to detect chemical substances and relay that information centrally in the nervous system. Chemoreceptors may monitor external stimuli, as in TASTE and OLFACTION, or internal stimuli, such as the concentrations of OXYGEN and CARBON DIOXIDE in the blood. |
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Mechanoreceptors - Cells specialized to transduce mechanical stimuli and relay that information centrally in the nervous system. Mechanoreceptors include HAIR CELLS, which mediate hearing and balance, and the various somatosensory receptors, often with non-neural accessory structures. |
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Nociceptors - Peripheral receptors for pain. Nociceptors include receptors which are sensitive to painful mechanical stimuli, extreme heat or cold, and chemical stimuli. All nociceptors are free nerve endings. |
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Thermoreceptors - Cellular receptors which mediate the sense of temperature. Thermoreceptors in vertebrates are mostly located under the skin. In mammals there are separate types of thermoreceptors for cold and for warmth and NOCICEPTORS which detect cold or heat extreme enough to cause pain. |
Receptors, Sensory Definitions and Terms
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