transduction
Process by which sensory receptors convert physical stimuli into electrical signals that the nervous system can process.
Full Definition
Sensory transduction is the fundamental process by which specialized receptor cells convert various forms of physical energy (light, sound, mechanical force, chemicals) into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system. This process involves stimulus-specific mechanisms such as photoisomerization in vision, mechanically-gated channels in touch, or ligand binding in chemoreception. Transduction efficiency and specificity determine the sensitivity and selectivity of sensory systems.
Usage
Usage note: Context-dependent - distinguish from signal transduction (intracellular cascades) and viral transduction (gene delivery).
In Context
- "Photoreceptor transduction converts photons into graded electrical responses." — Vision research manuscript
- "Mechanical transduction in hair cells requires intact tip-link proteins." — Auditory system study