Sensation

Sensation is the detection and transduction of physical or chemical stimuli by sensory receptors. It produces neural signals that can support perception.

Sensory transduction: The conversion of stimulus energy into electrical or chemical signals by sensory cells. This is the core conversion that turns detected stimuli into signals.
Mechanoreceptor: A sensory receptor activated by mechanical forces such as pressure, stretch, vibration, or sound. Mechanoreceptors detect physical forces that deform receptor structures.
Perception: The organization and interpretation of sensory information into meaningful representations of objects and events. Perception interprets sensory signals rather than detecting stimuli at receptors.
Proprioception: The sense of body position and movement, based largely on signals from muscles, tendons, and joints. Proprioceptive receptors detect body movement and position without relying on vision.
Sensory nervous system: The neural structures that detect stimuli and transmit sensory information to the central nervous system. Sensation is the receptor-level entry point into this wider network.
Sensory receptor: A specialized cell or nerve ending that detects a particular kind of stimulus. Receptors initiate sensation by responding selectively to stimulus features.
Photoreceptor: A light-sensitive cell that converts photons into changes in electrical signaling. Photoreceptors detect light, a stimulus that does not rely on mechanical contact.
Psychophysics: The study of relationships between physical stimulus properties and perceptual or behavioral responses. Psychophysics measures how stimulus intensity relates to reported or observed sensation.
Vestibular system: The inner-ear system that detects head motion and orientation relative to gravity. Its receptors transduce acceleration and orientation into signals for balance and movement.
Afferent nerve fiber: A nerve fiber that carries signals from peripheral receptors toward the central nervous system. Afferent fibers carry information generated by sensory transduction.

Linked from 22 pages