CONTACT RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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Contact receptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to physical contact or pressure on the skin. These receptors are part of the somatosensory system, which is responsible for detecting and processing bodily sensations related to touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception (the sense of body position and movement).
Contact receptors, also known as mechanoreceptors, are found in various regions of the body, including the skin, muscles, joints, and internal organs. They are responsible for providing vital feedback about external stimuli and the body's interaction with the environment.
There are several types of contact receptors, each serving a specific function. Meissner's corpuscles are located close to the skin's surface and are highly sensitive to light touch and vibrations. Pacinian corpuscles, on the other hand, are deeper within the skin and respond to deep pressure and high-frequency vibrations. Merkel's discs sense sustained pressure and texture, while Ruffini endings detect stretch and deformation of the skin. Hair follicle receptors respond to movements of the hair, providing information about objects touching the skin.
When stimulated, contact receptors generate action potentials that transmit signals to the central nervous system, where the sensations are interpreted. These receptors play a crucial role in various aspects of daily life, such as sensing textures, detecting objects, maintaining balance, and providing feedback during motor activities.
In summary, contact receptors are sensory receptors that respond to physical contact and pressure, enabling the detection and interpretation of tactile sensations.
Common Misspellings for CONTACT RECEPTOR
- contat receptor
- contact recptor
- contact receptr
- contact recpetor
- contatct receptor
- conctact receptor
- contanct receptor
- contact recetpor
- contct receptor
- contect receptor
Etymology of CONTACT RECEPTOR
The etymology of the word "contact receptor" can be broken down into two parts:
1. Contact: The word "contact" comes from the Latin word "contactus", which is the past participle of "contingere". It means "to touch" or "to come into contact with". The Latin word "contingere" is a combination of "con-" (meaning "together") and "tangere" (meaning "to touch").
2. Receptor: The word "receptor" comes from the Latin word "receptus", which is the past participle of "recipere". In Latin, "receptus" means "received" or "taken in". The Latin word "recipere" is a combination of "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and "capere" (meaning "to take" or "to hold").
