Types of Sensory Receptors

Before we get into the meat and potatoes let’s take a second to laugh with a corny science joke

Where are neurons jailed if they commit a crime? A nerve cell!

Ha ha, ok now let’s get into the fun world of sensory receptors…….

What is a sensory receptor?

Sensory receptors are neurons that respond to stimuli and trigger electrical signals

Types of sensory receptors

Photoreceptors: respond to electromagnetic waves in the visible spectrum (sight)

Hair cells: respond to movement of fluid in the inner ear structures (hearing, rotational and linear acceleration)

Nociceptors: respond to painful or noxious stimuli (somatosensation)

Thermoreceptors: respond to changes in temperature (thermosensation)

Osmoreceptors: respond to the osmolarity of the blood (water homeostasis)

Olfactory receptors: respond to volatile compounds (smell)

Taste receptors: respond to dissolved compounds (taste)

Here’s a fun and cool visual to help you learn the sensory receptors!

Sources/Where to head to learn more!

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/sensory-receptor

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/anatomy-and-physiology/the-sensory-system/sensory-receptors

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539861/