END ORGAN Meaning and
Definition
-
End organ refers to the terminal part of a sensory nerve pathway that receives and interprets signals from the central nervous system (CNS). It is the ultimate destination or target of the nerve fibers that transmit information related to sensory perception, allowing an organism to perceive and respond to sensory stimuli in the external environment.
In the context of the body's sensory system, end organs play a crucial role in relaying specific sensory information to the brain. For instance, in the visual system, the retina is considered the end organ as it contains specialized cells that convert light stimuli into electrical impulses that can be processed by the brain to produce visual perception.
Similarly, in the auditory system, the cochlea is the end organ responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain, enabling the sensation of hearing. In the gustatory system, taste buds are the end organs that detect the presence of different taste sensations such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
Overall, end organs are specialized structures that allow an organism to sense and perceive the external environment, providing the necessary information for appropriate physiological responses. These organs are typically located at the terminal or distal ends of sensory nerve pathways and are essential for our understanding and interaction with the world around us.
-
• The special structure containing the terminal of a nerve-fibril in muscular tissue, skin, mucous membrane, or glands.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for END ORGAN
- wnd organ
- snd organ
- dnd organ
- rnd organ
- 4nd organ
- 3nd organ
- ebd organ
- emd organ
- ejd organ
- ehd organ
- ens organ
- enx organ
- enc organ
- enf organ
- enr organ
- ene organ
- end irgan
- end krgan
- end lrgan
Etymology of END ORGAN
The term "end organ" is not derived from a specific etymology, as it is a medical term composed of two common English words, "end" and "organ". Here is a breakdown of each word:
1. End: This word comes from the Old English word "end(e)" and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "andja". In its simplest sense, "end" refers to the final part, conclusion, or termination of something.
2. Organ: This word has Latin roots and is derived from the Latin word "organum", meaning "instrument" or "tool". It can be traced back to Greek origins, specifically from the word "organon", which also means "tool" or "instrument". In a medical context, the word "organ" refers to a specialized structure within the body that performs specific functions.
Similar spelling words for END ORGAN
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
