A given receptor is described based on each classification criterion: receptor distribution, stimulus origin, and modality of stimulus. The eyes, for example, are _______ because they are located in the head (receptor distribution); _________ because they detect stimuli outside the body (stimulus origin); and ________ because they detect light (modality of stimulus). In comparison, receptors that detect stretch of blood vessels are classified as _________ because they are distributed throughout the body, _______ because they detect stimuli within the body, and _____ because they detect changes in distension of the organ wall.
A given receptor is described based on each classification criterion: receptor distribution, stimulus origin, and modality of stimulus. The eyes, for example, are special senses because they are located in the head (receptor distribution); exteroceptors because they detect stimuli outside the body (stimulus origin); and photoreceptors because they detect light (modality of stimulus). In comparison, receptors that detect stretch of blood vessels are classified as general senses because they are distributed throughout the body, interoceptors because they detect stimuli within the body, and baroreceptors because they detect changes in distension of the organ wall.