Classification by stimuli detected

Classification by stimuli detected

1. Mechanoreceptors

   • found in skin, walls of blood vessels, stomach, bladder, ear
   • detect pressure or strecth
   • touch, pressure, vibration, hearing, proprioception (muscle belly), equilibrium & blood pressure
   • Pressure is a sustained sensation felt over a larger area than touch
     • Result from tactile receptors in deeper tissues & longer lasting & less variation in intensity than touch sensations
       • type II cutaneous mechanoreceptors & lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles
   • Vibration sensations result from rapidly repetitive sensory signals from tactile receptors

2. Thermoreceptors

   • detect temperature

3. Nociceptors

   • Detect damage to tissues (pain)

4. Photoreceptors

   • detect light

5. Chemoreceptors

   • Detect molecules
     • taste, smell & changes in body fluid chemistry