What are receptors?

Receptors are a group of specialised cells that are used by the body to detect different stimuli (changes in the environment). Receptors are most common in sensory organs like the eyes, ears and the skin. Additionally receptors can be found inside the body, for example, in the brain to detect changes in temperature and amount of water in the blood. Each organ has specific receptors that are sensitive to different stimuli. For example, the eyes are sensitive to light and the skin is sensitive to touch, pain, pressure and temperature. 

KS
Answered by Kirsty S. Biology tutor

14617 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the factors which affect the rate of transpiration.


How could species have evolved from an ancestor such as Archaeopteryx?


Describe the process of the reflex arc.


Why does the bacteria in a vaccine not harm us, but instead make us immune to diseases?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning