vastuvõtjarakku

Vastuvõtjarakk refers to a receptor cell in Estonian. These are specialized cells in living organisms that detect external stimuli and trigger a response. Receptor cells are the primary sensory organs responsible for converting physical or chemical signals from the environment into electrochemical signals that can be processed by the nervous system.

There are various types of receptor cells, each sensitive to a particular type of stimulus. Photoreceptor cells in the eyes, for instance, detect light, while mechanoreceptor cells in the skin and ears respond to mechanical pressure and vibration. Chemoreceptor cells are responsible for taste and smell, detecting chemical compounds. Thermoreceptor cells sense temperature changes, and nociceptor cells detect pain.

When a receptor cell is stimulated, it undergoes a change in its membrane potential, a process known as transduction. This change generates an electrical signal that is transmitted to nearby neurons. These neurons then carry the signal to the central nervous system, where it is interpreted as a specific sensation. The sensitivity and specificity of receptor cells are crucial for an organism's ability to perceive and interact with its surroundings. Without these specialized cells, the detection of light, sound, touch, taste, smell, temperature, and pain would not be possible.