A specialized nerve cell that is designed to respond to a specific sensory stimulus. Mechanoreceptors detect mechanical compression or stretching of the receptor or of tissues adjacent to the receptor. Thermoreceptors detect changes in temperature. Nociceptors detect damage in tissues. E electromagnetic receptor detect light on the cornea of the eye. Chemoreceptors detect taste in the mouth, smell in the nose, oxygen level in the arterial blood, osmolality of the body fluids, and carbon dioxide concentration.
Taste Buds ;)
Baroreceptors
There are multiple pathways by which information from sensory receptors reaches the cerebral cortex. These pathways vary based on the type of information carried. For example, information from the body about pain and temperature travels via a pathway called the anterolateral system; information from the body about conscious body position sense and fine touch travels through the dorsal column-medial lemniscus system. Unconscious sensation of body position has its own pathways. The face has a separate set of pathways that mirror those for the rest of the body.
active and passive
The five senses are controlled by sensory receptors located throughout the body, such as in the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. These receptors detect stimuli from the environment and send signals to the brain to process and interpret sensory information. The brain then integrates this information to create our perception of the world around us.
The somatosensory cortex is a major area in the brain responsible for processing sensations related to touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. It is located in the parietal lobe of the cerebral cortex and plays a critical role in making sense of input from sensory receptors throughout the body.
The thalamus is the major relay station for sensory information ascending to the primary sensory areas of the cerebral cortex. It receives sensory input from various parts of the body and relays this information to the appropriate cortical areas for further processing and interpretation.
The vasomotor center is located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. Its major function is to regulate blood vessel diameter and blood pressure by controlling the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles in blood vessels. This center receives input from various sensory receptors and coordinates autonomic responses to maintain homeostasis in the cardiovascular system.
The brain is the major organ that controls all functions and actions of the human body. It receives and processes sensory information, initiates motor responses, regulates physiological processes, and is responsible for thoughts, emotions, and consciousness.
Medulla oblongata
The thalamus is a major convergence area for most sensory input before it is sent on to the cerebral cortex. It acts as a relay station, receiving sensory information and then transmitting it to the appropriate areas of the cortex for further processing.
The integumentary system serves several major functions such as protecting the body from external threats like pathogens and UV radiation, regulating body temperature through sweat production and blood flow, and providing sensation through sensory receptors in the skin for touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. Additionally, the integumentary system is involved in synthesizing vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.