What is the Difference Between Receptor and Effector?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a receptor and an effector lies in their functions within the nervous system:
- Receptor: A receptor is a specialized structure found within cell membranes that detects stimuli and converts them into nerve impulses. Receptors are responsible for receiving external stimuli and transmitting them to the central nervous system. They are connected to sensory neurons that carry the stimulus to the central nervous system. Examples of receptors include light receptors in the eye and sound receptors in the ear.
- Effector: An effector is a muscle, tissue, or organ that responds to a stimulus, particularly a nerve impulse. Effectors are responsible for producing an action in response to a stimulus they receive. They convert nerve impulses into responses or actions. Effectors are connected to motor neurons that carry instructions from the central nervous system. Examples of effectors include muscles contracting to move an arm or a gland releasing a hormone into the bloodstream.
In summary, receptors detect stimuli and convert them into nerve impulses, while effectors convert these impulses into actions.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Receptor and Effector? Comparative Table: Receptor vs Effector
Comparative Table: Receptor vs Effector
Here is a table highlighting the differences between receptors and effectors:
| Feature | Receptor | Effector |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A receptor is a structure within cell membranes that is sensitive to specific substances and stimuli. An effector is a muscle, tissue, or organ that responds to a stimulus, particularly a nerve impulse. | |
| Main Function | Receptors recognize and connect to specific substances, transforming stimuli into nerve impulses. Effector causes an action in response to a stimulus received, converting nerve impulses into responses or actions. | |
| Examples | Light receptors in the eye sensing changes in light. Muscles contracting to move an arm or a gland releasing a hormone into the blood. | |
| Location | Receptors are found in sensory organs such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and internal organs. Effectors are present all over the body, in muscles and glands. | |
| Connection | Receptors are connected to sensory neurons. Effectors are connected to motor neurons. |
In summary, receptors receive and convert stimuli into nerve impulses, while effectors produce actions in response to these impulses.
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- Cause vs Effect
- Stimulus vs Response
- Internal Receptors vs Cell Surface Receptors
- Ionotropic vs Metabotropic Receptors
- Adrenergic vs Cholinergic Receptors
- G Protein Linked Receptors vs Enzyme Linked Receptors
- Impact vs Effect
- Endocytosis vs Receptor Mediated Endocytosis
- Efficiency vs Effectiveness
- Reaction vs Reflex
- B Cell Receptor vs T Cell Receptor
- Alpha vs Beta Receptors
- Affected vs Effected
- G Protein Coupled Receptors vs Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
- Exteroceptors vs Interoceptors
- H1 vs H2 Receptors