Chapter 19, Problem 1WYL

How does a sensory receptor functions as a transducer?

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The way by which sensory receptors works as transducers.

Introduction:

Human bodies are always in contact with the environment. The changes in the external environment are perceived in the form of stimuli. Mostly sensory neurons are activated to receive the stimuli.

Explanation of Solution

Sensory receptors exist in different forms. These comprise dendritic ending of a single sensory neuron to complex sense organs and from the nerve ending epithelial tissues to muscular tissues and connective tissues.

These are known as transducers because these convert energy from one form to another form. The energy is received in the form of stimulus. Sensory receptors convert the energy into electrical energy to generate a response. The energy is conducted in the sensory neuron. Sensory receptors are controlled by the central nervous system.

Therefore, sensory receptors are called transducers because these convert the energy into different forms.