When Joni first stepped onto the sailboat, she smelled the tangy sea air and felt the motion of water beneath her feet. After a
few minutes, she no longer noticed the smell, but unfortunately she was aware of the rolling motion for hours. What types of receptors are involved in smell and detection of motion
The receptors involved in smell and motion detection are olfactory receptors and proprioceptors respectively.
Olfactory receptors are present on the cells of the olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity. These receptors bind to the odor molecules and send signals inside the cell by producing chemical changes that are then detected and help in olfaction (detection of smell). These are a type of chemoreceptors.
Proprioceptors are a type of mechanoreceptors that detect changes in body position and maintain equilibrium. These receptors detect the position of limbs while walking and other activities. They are located in the skin, muscles, joints, and tendons.
Joni was able to smell the tangy sea air because of the olfactory receptors and was able to feel the motion of water beneath her feet because of the proprioceptors.
