US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true about sensory receptors?

1. Sensory receptors are the same for all sensory modalities.

2. Sensory receptors only function when stimuli are extreme.

3. Sensory receptors are located only in the eyes and ears.

4. Sensory receptors are the openings through which the brain and nervous system experience the world.

The correct answer is: Sensory receptors are the openings through which the brain and nervous system experience the world.

Sensory receptors serve as specialized structures that detect and respond to various environmental stimuli, allowing the brain and nervous system to perceive the world around us. These receptors convert different forms of energy, such as light, sound, and chemical signals, into neural signals that the brain can interpret. By acting as gateways for incoming sensory information, sensory receptors play a crucial role in our ability to experience sensations like sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. This understanding highlights why the other choices do not accurately describe sensory receptors. The first choice is incorrect because sensory receptors differ across various sensory modalities; for example, photoreceptors in the eyes are specialized for light detection, while mechanoreceptors in the skin respond to pressure and touch. The second choice is misleading as sensory receptors are continuously active in responding to stimuli, even at non-extreme levels; they can detect a range of stimulus intensities, from subtle to extreme. Lastly, the third choice is limited in scope, as sensory receptors are not exclusive to the eyes and ears; they exist throughout the body in various forms, including those found in the skin, nose, and tongue, thus facilitating a wide range of sensory experiences.