What is the function of sensory receptors in the human body?

The function of sensory receptors in the human body centers around their ability to detect various stimuli from both internal and external environments and convert these stimuli into nerve impulses. This process is fundamental to how we perceive the world around us. For example, sensory receptors in the skin respond to touch, temperature, and pain, while those in the eyes detect light and enable vision.

Each type of sensory receptor is specialized for specific modalities; some are sensitive to light, others to sound, and still others to chemical substances or mechanical pressure. When a stimulus is detected, the sensory receptor generates an electrical signal—a nerve impulse—that is transmitted to the nervous system. This information is then processed by the brain, leading to the corresponding perception or response.

Thus, sensory receptors play a critical role in helping the body maintain homeostasis, respond to changes in the environment, and make decisions based on sensory inputs, effectively serving as the body's interface with the external world.