BIOS 252 Week 5 Online Lab; Nervous System - Sensation

Natasha Ngong Chamberlain University College of Nursing BIOS 252: Anatomy and Physiology II Professor Horn August 11, 2024 Week 5: Nervous System Lab Report: Sensation Record the information you learned about sensory receptors. (1 point each for a total of 5 points) Type of Sensory receptor Stimulus Mechanoreceptor Mechanoreceptors are somatosensory receptors that transmit external stimuli to intracellular signals via mechanically controlled ion channels. Thermoreceptor Thermoreceptors are specialized nerve cells capable of detecting temperature variations. Photoreceptor Photoreceptors are the cells in the retina that detect light. Their distinctive feature is the presence of large amounts of tightly packed membrane that contains the photopigment rhodopsin. Chemoreceptor Chemoreceptors are nerve cells that detect changes in the chemical composition of the blood and communicate with the brain to regulate cardiovascular and respiratory processes. Nociceptor Nociceptors are sensory receptors that receive signals from damaged tissue or the possibility of injury while also responding indirectly to chemicals caused by the damaged tissue. a. Why is capsaicin used in the experiment? (1.5 points) Capsaicin is used in research to activate nociceptors to induce a pain response. This enables researchers to investigate pain causes and evaluate pain-relief methods. b. What is capsaicin? (1.5 points) Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers, especially in the seeds that causes a burning sensation which determines how spicy they are. It activates specific receptors in the skin, leading to a sensation of heat and pain. Which of the sensory receptors plays a key role in homeostasis? (2 points) Thermoreceptors play a