Table of Contents
What is a sensory receptor potential?
2014 Sensory Physiology A receptor potential is a graded response to a stimulus that may be DEPOLARIZING or HYPERPOLARIZING. Receptor potentials have a threshold in stimulus amplitude that must be reached before a response is generated, and their amplitude saturates in response to intense stimuli.
What activates a sensory receptor?
The first step in sensation is reception. , which is the activation of sensory receptors by stimuli such as mechanical stimuli (being bent or squished, for example), chemicals, or temperature. The receptor can then respond to the stimuli.
What type of sensations do sensory receptors detect?
These receptors include those for tactile sensations, such as touch, pain, and temperature, as well as those for vision, hearing, smell, and taste. Interoceptors (visceroceptors) respond to stimuli occurring in the body from visceral organs and blood vessels.
What are sensory receptors responsible for?
A major role of sensory receptors is to help us learn about the environment around us, or about the state of our internal environment. Different types of stimuli from varying sources are received and changed into the electrochemical signals of the nervous system. This process is called sensory transduction.
What does a receptor potential do?
A receptor potential, also known as a generator potential, a type of graded potential, is the transmembrane potential difference produced by activation of a sensory receptor. Receptor potential can work to trigger an action potential either within the same neuron or on an adjacent cell.
How is a receptor potential generated?
A receptor potential is often produced by sensory transduction. The influx of current will often bring the membrane potential of the sensory receptor towards the threshold for triggering an action potential. Receptor potential can work to trigger an action potential either within the same neuron or on an adjacent cell.
What is the sensory receptor for touch?
Touch receptors are a subtype of sensory neuron that are located in the skin and possess specialized endings that respond to mechanical stimulation. As part of the somatosensory system, touch receptors therefore transmit information regarding tactile stimuli to the central nervous system.
What causes sensory receptor potential?
A receptor potential is often produced by sensory transduction. It is generally a depolarizing event resulting from inward current flow. The influx of current will often bring the membrane potential of the sensory receptor towards the threshold for triggering an action potential.