Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

What structure is responsible for proprioception, which allows us to sense the position of our body in space?

1. Mechanoreceptors

2. Photoreceptors

3. Thermoreceptors

4. Baroreceptors

The correct answer is: Mechanoreceptors

Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to perceive its own position in space and the movement of its limbs. The correct choice is mechanoreceptors, which are specialized sensory receptors that respond to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, vibration, and stretch. These receptors are primarily located in muscles, tendons, and joints, where they play a crucial role in detecting body position and movement. Mechanoreceptors include proprioceptors like muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs, which provide information about muscle length, tension, and joint angles, contributing specifically to the proprioceptive sense. The signals from these receptors are processed by the central nervous system to help maintain posture and coordinate movement. The other receptors mentioned serve different functions: photoreceptors are responsible for detecting light in the visual system, thermoreceptors sense changes in temperature, and baroreceptors monitor blood pressure. While each type of receptor plays a vital role in the sensory system, only mechanoreceptors are directly involved in proprioception.