SENSORY CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A sensory cell refers to a specialized type of cell that is responsible for converting specific types of physical or chemical stimuli into electrical signals. These electrical signals are then transmitted to the central nervous system, enabling the brain to process and interpret the sensory information. Sensory cells exist in various organisms, including humans, and are vital for the perception of different sensory modalities, such as vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
In humans, sensory cells are distributed across different sensory organs. For instance, in the eyes, sensory cells known as photoreceptor cells, such as rods and cones, convert light energy into electrical signals, which are transmitted to the brain for visual perception. In the ears, sensory hair cells detect and convert sound vibrations into electrical signals, allowing for auditory perception. Similarly, specialized cells in the skin enable the perception of touch, temperature, and pressure, while taste buds in the tongue contain sensory cells responsible for detecting tastes. Olfactory sensory neurons in the nasal cavity house sensory cells that can perceive different smells.
The ability of sensory cells to selectively respond to specific stimuli is facilitated by specific proteins or receptors on their surfaces. These receptors recognize and bind to specific molecules or physical stimuli, initiating the process of signal transduction that ultimately leads to the generation of electrical signals. Consequently, sensory cells play a crucial role in relaying sensory information from the external environment to the nervous system, enabling organisms to detect and respond to various stimuli in their surroundings.
Common Misspellings for SENSORY CELL
- aensory cell
- zensory cell
- xensory cell
- densory cell
- eensory cell
- wensory cell
- swnsory cell
- ssnsory cell
- sdnsory cell
- srnsory cell
- s4nsory cell
- s3nsory cell
- sebsory cell
- semsory cell
- sejsory cell
- sehsory cell
- senaory cell
- senzory cell
- senxory cell
- sendory cell
Etymology of SENSORY CELL
The etymology of the word "sensory cell" can be traced back to its individual parts: "sensory" and "cell".
1. "Sensory" is derived from the Latin word "sensus", which means "feeling" or "perception". It stems from the verb "sentire", which means "to feel" or "to perceive". The word "sensory" is often used to refer to anything related to the senses or perception.
2. "Cell" also has a Latin origin, coming from the word "cella". In Latin, "cella" means "small room" or "cell". It became associated with the basic structural unit of living organisms, referring to the smallest functional and structural component of an organism. Thus, in the context of "sensory cell", it refers to the basic unit that is responsible for sensory perception.
