1. Sensory receptors are specialized cells that detect specific types of stimuli, such as light, sound, touch, temperature, or chemicals.
2. Stimulation: When a sensory receptor is stimulated, it triggers a change in its membrane potential. This change is called a receptor potential.
3. Transduction: The receptor potential is then converted into an action potential, which is a brief electrical signal that travels along the sensory neuron. This process is called transduction.
4. Transmission: The action potential travels along the sensory neuron to the central nervous system (CNS), where it is processed and interpreted.
Key Concepts:
* Action potential: A rapid, short-lasting change in the membrane potential of a neuron. It is the basic unit of communication in the nervous system.
* Receptor potential: A graded potential that occurs in a sensory receptor in response to stimulation.
* Transduction: The process of converting one form of energy into another, in this case, converting the stimulus into an action potential.
In summary:
Sensory impulses are formed when sensory receptors detect stimuli, generating receptor potentials. These potentials are then transduced into action potentials, which travel along sensory neurons to the CNS. The brain then interprets these action potentials as specific sensations.