What is the Difference Between Exteroceptors and Interoceptors?

The main difference between exteroceptors and interoceptors lies in the source of the stimuli they respond to. Exteroceptors are sensory receptors that respond to stimuli from outside the body, such as vision, sound, touch, smell, temperature, and pain. On the other hand, interoceptors, also known as visceroceptors, respond to stimuli arising within the body, such as chemical stimuli, deep pressure, and various others.

Here are some key differences between exteroceptors and interoceptors:

• Location: Exteroceptors are located near the surface of the body, while interoceptors are found deep within the body, in internal organs, blood vessels, muscles, and joints.
• Information Provided: Exteroceptors provide information about the environment surrounding the body, such as temperature, pressure, and touch. In contrast, interoceptors detect internal physiological processes and provide information about the body's internal state, such as blood pressure, pH, and oxygen levels.
• Examples: Some examples of exteroceptors include thermoreceptors, nociceptors (pain receptors), and photoreceptors. Interoceptors, on the other hand, include stretch receptors, baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors.

Both exteroceptors and interoceptors are essential for maintaining homeostasis and reacting to environmental changes.

Comparative Table: Exteroceptors vs Interoceptors

Here is a table comparing the differences between exteroceptors and interoceptors:

In summary, exteroceptors are sensory receptors that detect stimuli originating from the outside of the body, while interoceptors are sensory receptors that detect stimuli arising within the body.