A sensory neuron (n. sensori-um, Latin - “sensitive”) is a group of nerve cells in the central nervous system that are responsible for the perception and processing of sensory information. Sensory neurons are located in various parts of the body and are connected to the senses.
Sensory neurons have long axons that carry information from the senses to the central nervous system. They can be activated by various stimuli such as light, sound, touch, taste and smell.
There are several types of sensory neurons, each responsible for a specific type of sensory information. For example, visual neurons respond to light stimuli, auditory neurons respond to sound stimuli, and tactile neurons respond to touch.
Sensory neurons play an important role in processing and interpreting sensory information, allowing us to sense the world around us. They are also involved in shaping our perceptions and emotions associated with our sensations.
In addition, sensory neurons can be damaged in various diseases such as diabetes, stroke and other neurological disorders. This can lead to impairments in perception and processing of sensory information, which can affect a person's quality of life.
In general, sensory neurons play an important role in our perception of the world and the formation of our emotions and sensations. Studying their functions and mechanisms can help us better understand how we perceive and process information, and how we can use this information to improve our quality of life.