what is the process of detecting stimuli?

The process of detecting stimuli begins with sensory receptors, which are specialized cells that respond to specific types of stimuli such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell. These receptors convert the stimulus energy into electrical signals through a process called transduction. When a stimulus activates a sensory receptor, it generates a receptor potential, an electrical signal that, if strong enough, triggers an action potential. The action potential travels along sensory neurons to the brain or spinal cord, where it is interpreted as a specific sensation. Sensory receptors are located in various organs like the skin, eyes, ears, tongue, and nose, each specialized to detect distinct types of stimuli. For example, photoreceptors in the eye detect light, mechanoreceptors in the skin detect pressure and vibration, and chemoreceptors in the nose and tongue detect chemicals for smell and taste. The encoding of sensory information includes the type of stimulus, its location, intensity, and duration. The brain processes this information to produce perception, allowing organisms to respond appropriately to their environment.