EXTEROCEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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An exteroceptor is a sensory receptor that detects stimuli from the external environment and transmits this information to the central nervous system. Derived from the Latin words "exter" meaning "outside" and "recipere" meaning "to receive," exteroceptors are specifically designed to perceive and respond to various external stimuli. These receptors are responsible for detecting sensory information related to touch, pressure, temperature, pain, and vibration.
Exteroceptors are found in the skin, mucous membranes, and other organs that come into direct contact with the external environment. These receptors are highly specialized and have adapted to be sensitive to specific types of stimuli. For example, mechanoreceptors in the skin detect changes in pressure and vibrations, while thermoreceptors respond to changes in temperature.
The information gathered by exteroceptors is transmitted to the central nervous system via sensory neurons. Once received, the central nervous system processes this information and generates an appropriate response. This response can include reflex actions, conscious awareness, or further cognitive processing.
Overall, exteroceptors play a crucial role in our ability to perceive and respond to stimuli from the external environment. By providing sensory information to the central nervous system, exteroceptors help us navigate and interact with the world around us, ensuring our ability to adapt and survive in our surroundings.
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One of the peripheral end organs of the afferent nerves in or immediately under the skin or external mucous membrane, which respond to stimulation by external agents.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EXTEROCEPTOR
- wxteroceptor
- sxteroceptor
- dxteroceptor
- rxteroceptor
- 4xteroceptor
- 3xteroceptor
- ezteroceptor
- ecteroceptor
- edteroceptor
- esteroceptor
- exreroceptor
- exferoceptor
- exgeroceptor
- exyeroceptor
- ex6eroceptor
- ex5eroceptor
- extwroceptor
- extsroceptor
- extdroceptor
Etymology of EXTEROCEPTOR
The word "exteroceptor" is derived from two Latin roots: "exter" and "receptor".
The Latin root "exter" means "outside" or "external". It is derived from the word "extra", which means "beyond" or "outside". This root is often used to indicate something that is located or directed outwardly.
The second root, "receptor", comes from the Latin word "recipere", which means "to receive". It is derived from the combination of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and the verb "capere" (meaning "to take" or "to seize"). The root "receptor" refers to a specialized cell or structure that receives and responds to external stimuli.
Similar spelling words for EXTEROCEPTOR
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