Chapter 13, Problem 4MC

Summary Introduction

To review:

Match the following receptor activities with appropriate letter and number (s) from keys A and B:

(1) You are enjoying an ice cream cone.

(2) You have just scalded yourself with hot coffee.

(3) The retinas of your eyes are stimulated.

(4) You bump (lightly) into someone.

(5) You are in a completely dark room and reaching toward the light switch.

(6) You feel uncomfortable after a large meal.

Key A:

a. Exteroceptor

b. Interoceptor

c. Proprioceptor

Key B:

1. Chemoreceptor

2. Mechanoreceptor

3. Nociceptor

4. Photoreceptor

5. Thermoreceptor

Introduction:

Sensory receptors represent specialized receptors to respond to changes or alterations in their environment that are called stimuli. They are classified in three ways, which are by the kind of stimulus they identify, by their structural complexity, and by their location. The receptors classified according to the stimulus detected are thermoreceptors, nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, chemoreceptors, and photoreceptors. The receptors that are categorized according to their location, or according to the activating stimulus location are exteroceptors, proprioceptors, and interoceptors. The receptors classified according to their structures are just the modified dendritic terminals of sensory neurons.