What is a sensory receptor?

A sensory receptor is a specialized structure within the body that is responsible for detecting environmental stimuli and converting them into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. Sensory receptors can be found throughout the body and are connected to the nervous system through nerve fibers.

There are several types of sensory receptors, each specialized to detect specific types of stimuli. For example, photoreceptors in the eyes detect light, mechanoreceptors in the skin detect touch and pressure, and chemoreceptors in the nose and mouth detect chemicals in the environment.

Sensory receptors play a crucial role in allowing us to perceive and react to our environment. They help us to sense changes in temperature, pressure, and other physical stimuli, as well as detect potentially harmful substances like toxins or pathogens. Without sensory receptors, we would not be able to experience sensations such as touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight.