Sensory system

The **sensory system** is not a single molecule or receptor but rather a broad term referring to the part of the nervous system responsible for receiving and processing sensory information from both the internal and external environment. It consists of specialized **sensory receptors** (such as mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors, chemoreceptors, photoreceptors), afferent neurons that transmit signals to the central nervous system, neural pathways that relay this information through various brain regions, and brain structures involved in perception[6][10][4]. Each type of receptor is tuned to specific forms of energy or stimuli—such as light (photoreceptors), chemicals (chemoreceptors), mechanical pressure or stretch (mechanoreceptors), temperature changes (thermoreceptors), or tissue damage/painful stimuli (nociceptors)[4][6]. The process begins with stimulus detection by receptors; these convert physical or chemical energy into electrical signals via transduction mechanisms such as ion channel gating. The resulting graded potentials may trigger action potentials in associated neurons if thresholds are reached[8]. This information is then relayed through dedicated neural circuits for further processing and integration. Because "Sensory system" refers collectively to many different molecular targets—receptor proteins like rhodopsin in photoreception; olfactory receptors for smell; Piezo2 channels for touch—it cannot be considered a therapeutic target itself. Instead, individual components within sensory systems may serve as drug targets depending on context[5][2]. In summary: > The "Sensory system" is an anatomical/functional concept encompassing multiple cell types and molecular entities involved in sensation—not a discrete molecule or druggable target[6][10]. Therefore, - **is_target:** false — it does not refer to a single therapeutic target. - **is_incorrect:** true — this entry is too broad/vague for structured molecular targeting purposes.

Other names

Sensory nervous systemSensory systemsSensory pathways