Tutorial title - Sensory (afferent) division - Sensory Receptors

7 important questions on Tutorial title - Sensory (afferent) division - Sensory Receptors

Sensory receptors are structures that pick up changes in the internal and external environment (action called “sensation”). They function on 2 rules, what are these rules?

The receptor must be specific for the stimulus
The stimulus must be applied within a receptive field

Changes in the internal or external environment (stimuli) activate sensory receptors and result in depolarizations that trigger impulses to the CNS. What is the 6 step procedure to that propagated impulse to the CNS?

Stimulus energy must be converted into a graded potential → summate → reach threshold → action potential →  impulse propagated to the CNS


How do the different types of receptors turn a very specific stimulus into a nerve response?, a process called transduction

A chemical, thermal, mechanical or photonic thing causes a change in the relevant sensory receptor”s membrane permeability allowing depolarisation to happen and start an action potential
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

Once the impulse is propagated to the CNS what do the relevant areas in the brain do with this information?

Realise the stimuli and “perception” happens which is conscious interpretation of the stimuli

Why are sensory receptors classified by stimulus type, by location in the body, and by structural complexity

Different sensory receptors respond differently to what type of energy activates them (stimulus type), where the signal originates (location in the body) , and how the receptor is built (structural complexity)


Photoreceptors detect electromagnetic energy in the form of what?

photons (light)


Chemoreceptors detect chemicals in which 2 to areas? Give some examples


They detect chemicals in the body and the environment.They measure levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo