Sensory Receptors

Question 1

Difference between a sensory receptor and a sense organ

Answer 1

Sensory receptor - specialised structure or cell that generates an AP in response to a stimulus
Sense organ - when receptor is associated with non-neural cells

Question 2

Do sensory receptors respond to all stimuli or are they selective?

Answer 2

Each receptor is most sensitive to a particular form of energy called the adequate stimulus. It will respond to this form of energy at a much lower threshold than other stimuli

Question 3

Where do the stimuli that receptors respond to originate? 5 classes of receptors

Answer 3

Teleceptors - distance e.g rods and cones
Exteroceptors - external
Interoceptors - internal
Proprioceptors - body position
Nociceptors - pain

Question 4

What is a sensory modality?

Answer 4

The type of sensation that we experience when a receptor is adequately stimulated.

Question 5

Do receptors respond to forms of energy other than their adequate stimulus?

Answer 5

Yes, but the threshold is much lower

Question 6

How do sensory receptors which are located in the periphery inform the brain of what is going on either outside or inside the body?

Answer 6

Sensory neuron axon carries AP into the CNS via the dorsal ganglion and into the dorsal horn
1st order neurone receptor to CNS
2nd CNS to thalamus
3rd thalamus to cerebral cortex