Stimulus (physiology)
Stimulus (physiology)
Stimulus (pronunciation: /ˈstɪmjʊləs/; plural: stimuli) in physiology refers to a detectable change in the internal or external environment. The ability of an organism to respond to stimuli is called irritability, a fundamental property of all living organisms.
Etymology
The term 'stimulus' originates from the Latin word 'stimulus' which means 'goad, spur, incentive'.
Types of Stimuli
Stimuli can be classified into two broad categories: Internal Stimuli and External Stimuli.
- Internal Stimuli: These are changes that occur within the organism, such as changes in blood pressure, body temperature, and hunger.
- External Stimuli: These are changes in the environment outside the organism, such as changes in light, temperature, and sound.
Physiological Response
The response to a stimulus is mediated by the nervous system and the endocrine system. The nervous system transmits signals (nerve impulses) to the brain, which interprets the signals and initiates a response. The endocrine system releases hormones that regulate the body's response to the stimulus.
Related Terms
- Sensory Receptors: These are specialized cells that detect stimuli and transmit signals to the nervous system.
- Reflex: This is an automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus.
- Homeostasis: This is the process by which an organism maintains a stable internal environment in response to changes in external and internal stimuli.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stimulus (physiology)
- Wikipedia's article - Stimulus (physiology)
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