What is the function of sensory receptors?

Sensory receptors play a crucial role in the way organisms interact with their environment. Their primary function is to respond to stimuli, such as light, sound, temperature, and pressure, from the surrounding environment. When these receptors detect specific stimuli, they convert them into electrical impulses through a process known as transduction. These impulses are then sent to the central nervous system, where they are interpreted, allowing individuals to perceive their surroundings.

The ability of sensory receptors to identify changes or signals in the environment is essential for survival, as it enables organisms to respond to threats, locate food, interact socially, and navigate their surroundings. This direct interaction with environmental stimuli sets sensory receptors apart from other functions such as transmitting impulses between nerve cells, initiating reflex actions, or conducting impulses to muscles, which involve different mechanisms and structures within the nervous system.