Senses

Sensation vs. Perception

Sensation – is conscious awareness of a

stimulus

Perception – is understanding what the

sensation means

Sensory Adaptation – a decrease in the

response to a stimulus
Sensory Receptors

Six Major Types:

1. Mechanoreceptors – detect forms of

mechanical energy

(changes in pressure, position, or

acceleration)

 touch, auditory, balance, baroreceptors

Sensory Receptors

Six Major Types:

2. Thermoreceptors – detect heat

energy

(changes in temperature)
Sensory Receptors

Six Major Types:

3. Nociceptors – pain receptors;

detect tissue damage

(for example: distortions, burns)

Sensory Receptors

Six Major Types:

4. Chemoreceptors – detect chemical

energy of specific substances

 taste, smell
Sensory Receptors

Six Major Types:

5. Osmoreceptors – detect changes in

water volume (solute concentration)

6. Photoreceptors – detect visible light