The type of cell in the nervous system that detects a change in the environment is a sensory receptor cell. These cells detect stimuli such as light, temperature, sound, and chemical signals from the environment and convert them into electrical impulses. These impulses are then transmitted by sensory neurons to the central nervous system for processing and response.
Sensory Receptor Cells
- These receptors are specialized cells located in sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin).
- They detect external changes (stimuli) and initiate an electrical signal.
- They can be whole cells or proteins on cell membranes that respond to specific types of stimuli (light, pressure, chemicals, temperature).
Sensory Neurons
- Sensory neurons carry the electrical impulses from the receptor cells to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- They play a vital role in relaying information about environmental changes to the body for an appropriate response.
Thus, sensory receptor cells detect the environmental changes, and sensory neurons transmit this information in the nervous system.
