Question

In the concept of sensory physiology, please describe the following:

1. What is a sensory receptor? What is its function and structure?
2. Describe the generation of a “receptor potential” and explain the differences between a receptor potential and an action potential
3. What is the mechanism of adaptation in a sensory receptor?
4. Classify and describe the sensory receptors depending on their adaptation abilities.

Answer 1

a) Sensory receptor

It is a structure that reacts to the physical stimulus in the environment it may be internal or external . It receives information and conducts in the process of generating nerve impulse.

b) Receptor potential

It is also known as generator potential which is a type of graded potential ,it is the transmembrane potential difference produced by activation of sensory receptors.

Difference between receptor potential and action potential

Receptor potential;

It is in the receptor

It is graded

Doesn't obey all or none principal

Can be summated

It is unpropagated

Action potential;

It is in the sensory nerve fibre

It is not graded

It obeys all or none principal.

It is not summated

It is propagated.

C) Mechanism of adaption;

Two determinants of adaptation are mechanorecptors that are pacinian corpuscle.Both the filters are non-transients.one a mechanical filter, prevent static component of the mechanical stimulus from reaching the transducer elment that is nerve ending.

d)

Chemoreceptors detects the chemicals

Thermooreceptors - detects changes in temperature

Photoreceptors - detects light during the vision.

Mechanorecptors - detects mechanical forces.