Video Transcript
Which of the following best
describes the role of receptors in the human body? (A) They transmit electrical
impulses across synapses. (B) They transmit signals across
the central nervous system. (C) They detect changes in the
external environment. (D) They release hormones. Or (E) they bring about a
response.
There are many different types of
receptor in the human body. In the context of the nervous
system, a receptor is a special type of nerve cell which can detect a stimulus. You may recall that a stimulus is a
change in the external environment which the body responds to. For example, rods and cones are
photoreceptors found in the eye which detect visual stimuli. And gustatory cells are taste
receptors found in taste buds on the tongue and soft palate.
Once a receptor has detected a
stimulus, it generates a nerve impulse, which is then carried down a series of
neurons. This allows the impulse to be
transmitted to an effector, such as a muscle or gland, which can then carry out the
appropriate response.
We have therefore determined that
the statement which best describes the role of receptors in the human body is
(C). They detect changes in the external
environment.
