What is the function of sensory receptors?

Sensory receptors play a crucial role in the nervous system by detecting stimuli from the environment, such as light, sound, temperature, and pressure. Their primary function is to convert these external stimuli into electrical signals, which can then be transmitted to the brain for processing. This conversion process is fundamental to sensory perception, allowing the body to respond appropriately to different environmental cues.

For instance, photoreceptors in the eyes detect light and convert it into electrical signals that are sent to the brain, enabling vision. Similarly, mechanoreceptors in the skin respond to touch and pressure, transforming those sensory inputs into signals the nervous system can interpret.

The other options mention processes related to sensory function but do not accurately describe the core role of sensory receptors. Generating electrical impulses is a part of the overall functioning of neurons, but it is not the primary role of sensory receptors themselves. Processing information in the brain pertains to what happens after the signals are transmitted from the receptors, not the function of the receptors. Releasing hormones is unrelated to the sensory function and involves a different system of communication in the body. Thus, the precise function of sensory receptors is best captured by the ability to detect stimuli and convert them into electrical signals.