Final answer:
Sensory receptors are specialized cells associated with sensory neurons or the specialized ends of sensory neurons. They are modified to detect specific types of stimuli and are responsive to stimuli within a specific region in space. The translation of a sensory signal to an electrical signal in the nervous system is a fundamental function of the sensory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sensory receptors are either specialized cells associated with sensory neurons or the specialized ends of sensory neurons that are a part of the peripheral nervous system, and they are used to receive information about the environment (internal or external). Each sensory receptor is modified for the type of stimulus it detects.
For example, neither gustatory receptors nor auditory receptors are sensitive to light. Each sensory receptor is responsive to stimuli within a specific region in space, which is known as that receptor's receptive field.
The most fundamental function of a sensory system is the translation of a sensory signal to an electrical signal in the nervous system.