Classification of Receptors Flashcards

Study Notes

Classification of Receptors

Mechanoreceptors: Detect mechanical forces like touch, pressure (including blood pressure), vibration, and stretch.
Thermoreceptors: Respond to changes in temperature, playing a critical role in thermoregulation.
Photoreceptors: Specialized for sensing light energy, primarily located in the retina.
Chemoreceptors: React to chemical substances dissolved in fluids; involved in smell and taste, as well as monitoring blood and interstitial fluid chemistry.
Nociceptors: Triggered by potentially harmful stimuli, signaling pain; they interact with mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and chemoreceptors.

Types of Receptors by Stimulus Type

Exteroceptors: Sensitive to external stimuli; most are located on or near the body surface, involved in detecting touch, pressure, pain, and temperature.
Interoceptors (Visceroceptors): Respond to internal stimuli within the body; they monitor changes in chemicals, tissue stretch, and temperature.
Proprioceptors: Located in skeletal muscles, tendons, joints, and connective tissues; they provide sensory feedback about body position and movement by monitoring the stretch of organs containing these receptors.

Classification of Receptors by Location

Exteroceptors: Sensitive to external environmental changes.
Interoceptors (Visceroceptors): Monitor internal physiological conditions.
Proprioceptors: Specialize in sensing internal body movements and positions.

Description

Test your knowledge on the various types of receptors with these flashcards. This quiz covers mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, photoreceptors, and chemoreceptors, providing definitions and functions for each type. Improve your understanding of how these receptors interact with the environment.