Sensory neuron

Sensory neurons or afferent neurons are neurons that convert a specific type of stimulus, via their receptors, into action potentials or graded potentials. This process is known as sensory transduction. The cell bodies of the sensory neurons are located in the dorsal ganglia of the spinal cord.

Structure

The sensory neuron is a type of neuron that is responsible for converting various forms of stimuli into electrical signals. These neurons have a variety of structures to suit their function, including a long dendrite and a short axon, which carry signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Function

Sensory neurons play a crucial role in the body's ability to perceive and respond to the environment. They are responsible for converting external stimuli from the organism's environment into internal electrical impulses. For example, they may convey information about light, heat, cold, sound, and other factors from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

Types

There are several types of sensory neurons that correspond to different senses. These include:

• Photoreceptor cells: These cells are capable of phototransduction, a process which converts light (visible electromagnetic radiation) into electrical signals. These signals are then processed by the brain to result in vision.
• Nociceptors: These are sensory neurons that respond to damaging or potentially damaging stimuli by sending “possible threat” signals to the spinal cord and the brain.
• Thermoreceptors: These are sensory neurons that respond to changes in temperature.
• Mechanoreceptors: These are sensory neurons that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion.

Clinical significance

Damage to sensory neurons or the pathways they compose can cause a variety of symptoms such as numbness, reduced ability to perceive pain, or paresthesia (abnormal sensations like "pins and needles"). Diseases such as diabetes mellitus can damage sensory neurons and cause problems like diabetic neuropathy.

See also

• Neuron
• Nervous system
• Pseudounipolar neuron
• Unipolar neuron

References

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