Sensory Receptors

Structure, Function and Adaptation

 Introduction

•Definition of sensory receptors: Specialized

structures in the body that detect specific stimuli
from the environment and transmit signals to the
brain.

•Importance of sensory receptors: They allow

organisms to perceive and respond to their
surroundings, playing a crucial role in survival
and everyday functioning.
 Types of Sensory Receptors
•Mechanoreceptors: Detect mechanical stimuli such
as pressure, touch, and vibration.

•Chemoreceptors: Respond to chemical stimuli, such

as taste and smell.

•Thermoreceptors: Sense changes in temperature.

•Photoreceptors: Detect light stimuli for vision.

•Nociceptors: Responsible for detecting pain stimuli.

Structure of Sensory Receptors
•Mechanoreceptors: Often consist of specialized cells
encapsulated in structures like Merkel discs or Pacinian
corpuscles.

•Chemoreceptors: Found in specialized cells like taste buds

or olfactory neurons, equipped with receptor proteins.

•Thermoreceptors: Typically free nerve endings distributed

in the skin and internal organs.

•Photoreceptors: Located in the retina of the eye,

comprising specialized cells called rods and cones.

•Nociceptors: Free nerve endings distributed throughout the

body.
 Function of Sensory Receptors
•Detection of stimuli: Sensory receptors detect specific types of stimuli
from the environment.

•Transduction: Conversion of stimuli into electrical signals, known as

sensory transduction.

•Transmission of signals: Electrical signals are transmitted to the brain via

sensory neurons for processing and perception.
Q: What is a sensory receptor?
Q: What are the main types of sensory
receptors?
Q: Where are photoreceptors located?
Adaptation of Sensory Receptors
•Definition of sensory adaptation: The phenomenon where sensory
receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli over time.

•Types of adaptation:
• Rapid adaptation: Occurs quickly in response to continuous or
repetitive stimuli.

• Slow adaptation: Takes longer to occur and may involve changes in

the sensitivity of sensory receptors.
Mechanisms of Sensory Adaptation
•Decreased receptor sensitivity: Sensory receptors
may become less responsive to stimuli.

•Changes in synaptic transmission: Adaptation may

occur at the level of synapses between sensory
neurons and the central nervous system.

•Central processing: The brain may filter out or

habituate to constant stimuli.
 Examples of Sensory Adaptation
•A person walking into a swimming pool (Sense of touch: Adapts to the cold water)

•A baker taking bread out of the oven (Sense of smell: Adapts to the smell of baking
bread)

•A person putting on headphones (Sense of hearing: Adapts to the loud music)

•A person walking into a dark room (Sense of sight: Adapts to the darkness)

•Someone tasting a cup of coffee (Sense of taste: Adapts to the bitterness of coffee)
 Importance of Sensory Adaptation
•Prevents sensory overload: Allows organisms to focus on new or
changing stimuli.

•Enhances efficiency: Frees up cognitive resources for processing novel

information.

•Supports habituation: Facilitates adaptation to familiar environmental

conditions.
sensory adaptation in clinical contexts:
•Sensory processing disorders: Dysfunction in sensory adaptation
may contribute to conditions such as sensory hypersensitivity or
hyposensitivity.

•Rehabilitation: Understanding sensory adaptation is crucial in

designing effective rehabilitation programs for individuals with
sensory impairments.
 Factors Influencing Sensory
Adaptation
•Intensity of stimuli: Higher-intensity stimuli may lead to faster adaptation.

•Duration of exposure: Longer exposure to stimuli may result in greater adaptation.

•Sensory receptor properties: Different types of sensory receptors may adapt at

different rates.

•Individual differences: Variations in sensory thresholds and perceptual

experiences can affect adaptation.
 Neural Mechanisms of Sensory
Adaptation
•Peripheral adaptation: Changes in the responsiveness of sensory
receptors at the periphery, such as receptor desensitization.

•Central adaptation: Neural processes within the central nervous

system, including synaptic depression and habituation.

•Plasticity: The ability of neural circuits to reorganize and adjust in

response to sensory input and experience.
Q: Why is adaptation important?
Q: What is adaptation in sensory receptors?
Q: Give an example of sensory adaptation.
 Conclusion
•Sensory receptors play a vital role in detecting stimuli
from the environment and transmitting signals to the
brain for perception.

•Sensory adaptation ensures efficient processing of

sensory information and adaptation to changing
environmental conditions.

•Enhances our comprehension of sensory mechanisms

and informs approaches to managing sensory-related
disorders.