Interoceptor

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Interoceptor is a type of sensory receptor that detects changes in the internal environment of the body. These receptors are located in the internal organs and provide information about the internal physiological condition of the body.

Function[edit | edit source]

Interoceptors are responsible for detecting changes in the body's internal environment. This includes changes in temperature, pressure, and chemical composition of body fluids. The information gathered by these receptors is then sent to the brain, where it is processed and interpreted. This allows the body to maintain homeostasis, or a stable internal environment.

Types of Interoceptors[edit | edit source]

There are several types of interoceptors, each responsible for detecting different types of changes in the body's internal environment. These include:

  • Thermoreceptors: These interoceptors detect changes in body temperature.
  • Baroreceptors: These interoceptors detect changes in blood pressure.
  • Chemoreceptors: These interoceptors detect changes in the chemical composition of body fluids.
  • Nociceptors: These interoceptors detect pain signals from the body's internal organs.

Role in Disease[edit | edit source]

Abnormal function of interoceptors can lead to various health conditions. For example, dysfunction of baroreceptors can lead to hypertension, while dysfunction of chemoreceptors can lead to respiratory disorders.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Interoceptor Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD