What is the function of receptors in our body? Think of situations where receptors do not work properly. What problems are likely to arise?
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Receptors are sensory structures (organs/tissues or cells) present all over the body. The receptors are either grouped in case of eye or ear, or scattered in case of skin. Functions of receptors:
- They sense the external stimuli such as heat or pain.
- They also trigger an impulse in the sensory neuron which sends message to the spinal cord. When the receptors are damaged, the external stimuli transferring signals to the brain are not felt. For example, in the case of damaged receptors, if we accidentally touch any hot object, then our hands might get burnt as damaged receptors cannot perceive the external stimuli of heat and pain.
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The receptors are usually located in our sense organs such as the inner ear, the nose, the tongue and so on. So gustatory receptors will detect taste while olfactory receptors will detect smell. If these receptors are not working properly, it is harmful to our body.
Eg: If we are suffering from cold, we do not feel the taste of food.