Chapter 14, Problem 1RQ

When a receptor cell detects a specific kind of stimulus, what happens to the stimulus energy?

Summary Introduction

To explain: What happens to the stimulus energy when a receptor cell detects a specific kind of stimulus.

Introduction: The sensory receptors are the nerves that are stimulated by a physical stimulus and they create a nerve impulse to send information to the brain. Sensory receptors may be simple such as the touch receptors or complex like the sensory organs. Sensory receptor functions by responding to a particular stimulus by transmitting the information to the brain and the central nervous system (CNS).

Explanation of Solution

In a sensory system, when a receptor cell detects a specific kind of stimulus, the received energy from the stimulus is converted into the electrochemical energy of an action potential. The action potential transmits nerve impulses to the brain. Brain responds to these signals with sensation and perception.