Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sensation is the process by which sensory receptors and the nervous system receive and represent stimuli from our environment. It involves converting physical energy from the environment into electrical signals that are interpreted by the brain.
Perception is the process by which the brain interprets and organizes sensory information to give it meaning.
Sensory receptors: Sensory receptors are specialized neurons that respond to specific types of stimuli, such as light, sound, or temperature, by generating electrical signals.
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells (neurons) that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body