Sensory neuron

A sensory neuron detects stimuli directly or carries signals from sensory receptors toward the central nervous system. Its activity converts information about the body or environment into neural signals.

Sensory transduction: The conversion of a stimulus into an electrical or chemical signal in a sensory cell or neuron. This is the conversion step that lets a sensory neuron represent a stimulus as neural activity.
Sensory receptor: A specialized cell or neuronal ending that detects a particular kind of stimulus. Sensory neurons may themselves contain receptor endings or receive signals from separate receptor cells.
Motor neuron: A neuron that carries commands from the central nervous system to muscles or glands. Motor neurons usually send signals outward, whereas sensory neurons carry signals inward.
Reflex arc: A neural pathway that links a stimulus to a rapid, involuntary response. Sensory neurons provide the incoming limb that can trigger spinal reflexes.
Referred pain: Pain perceived at a body site different from the tissue generating the pain signal. Converging sensory inputs can make the brain misattribute where signals from sensory neurons originate.
Receptor potential: A graded change in a sensory cell's membrane voltage in response to stimulation. Its size helps determine whether stimulation triggers action potentials in the sensory pathway.
Mechanoreceptor: A sensory receptor activated by mechanical deformation, such as pressure, vibration, or stretch. These receptors supply sensory neurons with information about touch, vibration, and tissue movement.
Interneuron: A neuron that connects neurons within the central nervous system rather than directly carrying signals to or from peripheral targets. Interneurons process central circuits; sensory neurons bring information into those circuits.
Dorsal column–medial lemniscus pathway: An ascending pathway carrying fine touch, vibration, and conscious proprioception to the brain. Its first-order sensory neurons carry several precise body sensations toward the brainstem.
Central sensitization: Increased responsiveness of central nervous system neurons to sensory input after sustained or intense activity. Persistent sensory-neuron input can increase the responsiveness of spinal and brain circuits.

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