Interoceptor

From WikiMD's 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
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD