Anatomy & Physiology

Lesson 20 of 20

Special senses

Special senses rely on specialized organs and receptors for vision, hearing, balance, taste, and smell. Sensory signals are converted into neural information interpreted by the brain. The eyes and ears contain structures that focus stimuli or detect changes in light, sound, and head motion. These systems interact with general senses such as touch and proprioception.

Key points

• The retina contains photoreceptors that respond to light.
• The cochlea supports hearing by converting sound-related vibration into neural signals.
• The vestibular apparatus senses head position and movement to support balance.
• Taste receptors detect dissolved substances; smell receptors detect airborne chemicals.
• Sensory experiences vary and may be affected by health, environment, and individual differences.

Key terms

Retina

Light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.

Photoreceptor

Retinal cell that converts light into a neural signal.

Cochlea

Inner-ear structure involved in hearing.

Vestibular apparatus

Inner-ear structures that detect head motion and orientation.

Olfactory receptor

Sensory receptor that detects odorant molecules.

Taste bud

Sensory structure containing cells that respond to taste stimuli.