Sensory Receptors
Receptors convert stimuli into nerve impulses.
About this topic
Sensory receptors are specialised cells that detect stimuli and convert them into nerve impulses (transduction). Types: photoreceptors (light, in the retina), chemoreceptors (taste and smell, and blood chemistry), mechanoreceptors (touch, pressure, hearing and balance), thermoreceptors (temperature) and nociceptors (pain).
Each receptor responds to a particular type of stimulus. In the eye, rods work in dim light and give black and white vision, while cones work in bright light and detect colour. In the ear, hair cells in the cochlea move with sound vibrations, generating impulses. Impulses travel along sensory neurones to the brain, which interprets them, so sensation really happens in the brain.
A simple pathway is stimulus, receptor, sensory neurone, brain or spinal cord, motor neurone, effector and response. In a reflex such as pulling your hand from a hot pan, the spinal cord handles the message without waiting for the brain, which is faster and protects you. Receptors are not spread evenly: fingertips have many touch receptors, so they are more sensitive than the back.
Adaptation means receptors respond less to constant stimuli, which is why you stop noticing a smell. A common mistake is saying the eyes see; the brain makes sense of signals from the eyes. Another is that taste is only the tongue; smell contributes strongly.
Key ideas
- Light, sound, touch, taste, smell
- Each receptor responds to a specific stimulus
- Brain interprets signals
Quick check
Use cases: where Sensory Receptors helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Sensory Receptors before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Sensory Receptors without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Sensory Receptors changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Sensory Receptors in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Sensory Receptors?
Receptors convert stimuli into nerve impulses.
What will I learn in Sensory Receptors?
Light, sound, touch, taste, smell. Each receptor responds to a specific stimulus. Brain interprets signals.
Is Sensory Receptors part of Biology?
Yes. It is one of 150 Biology topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Sensory Receptors lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Sensory Receptors?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.