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. 

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Answered by Kirsty S. Biology tutor

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