receptors, sensorymedical dictionary

Specialised neurones or parts of neurones which transduce sensory information and relay it centrally. Included are receptors for stimuli outside the body (exteroceptors) as well as receptors for stimuli from within the body itself (interoceptors and proprioceptors). Sensory receptors may include accessory structures which condition (e.g., filter) the input received by the receptor neurones themselves.

(12 Dec 1998)