How Do You Spell CONTACT CEPTOR?

1. A contact ceptor refers to a specialized receptor, found in various organisms, that is responsible for detecting physical contact or touch stimuli. It is a sensory receptor that is crucial for the perception and interpretation of tactile information from the environment. These receptors are typically found in the skin or outer layer of the organism, where they are most exposed to external stimuli.

   Contact ceptors are highly sensitive to physical pressure or deformation of the surrounding tissues. When pressure is applied to the receptor, it generates an electrical signal that is transmitted to the central nervous system for processing and interpretation. This enables the organism to gather essential information about its surroundings, such as the texture, temperature, and pressure of objects or surfaces it comes into contact with.

   In humans, contact ceptors are abundant in the fingertips, hands, and lips, allowing for highly precise touch perception. They contribute to various tactile sensations, such as the ability to distinguish between different textures or identify subtle changes in pressure. The sensitivity of contact ceptors can vary depending on their location and the specific organism possessing them.

   Overall, contact ceptors play a critical role in the somatosensory system, providing organisms with vital information about their environment and facilitating interaction with the surrounding world through the sense of touch.

2. A nerve c. in the surface layer of skin or mucous membrane by means of which impulses contributed by direct physical impact are apprehended.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CONTACT CEPTOR

The term "contact ceptor" does not have an established etymology as it appears to be a combination of two words: "contact" and "ceptor" (which might possibly be a variant of "receptor").

"Contact" is derived from the Latin word "contactus", which means "touch" or "meeting". It entered English through the Old French word "contact" and has remained relatively unchanged in meaning.

On the other hand, "ceptor" does not have a direct etymological origin. However, it bears resemblance to the word "receptor", which is derived from the Latin word "receptus", meaning "to receive". The suffix "-ceptor" is often used to indicate something that receives or takes in. It can be seen in words like "receptor", "perceptor", or "interceptor".