Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

Which type of receptor detects mechanical movement?

1. Photoreceptors

2. Proprioceptors

3. Mechanoreceptors

4. Nociceptors

The correct answer is: Mechanoreceptors

Mechanoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, touch, vibration, and stretch. These receptors are crucial for the detection of mechanical movement and play essential roles in various physiological functions, including the sense of touch, hearing, and balance. For instance, in the skin, mechanoreceptors can detect different types of touch, such as light pressure or deep pressure, by transducing mechanical energy into electrical signals that the nervous system can interpret. In the inner ear, mechanoreceptors contribute to the sense of hearing and equilibrium by responding to the vibrations of sound waves and the movement of fluids within the vestibular system. The other types of receptors mentioned serve different functions. Photoreceptors are sensitive to light and involved in vision, proprioceptors detect the position and movement of the body relative to itself, and nociceptors respond to harmful stimuli, such as pain. While both proprioceptors and mechanoreceptors may be involved in sensing body position and movement, mechanoreceptors are specifically focused on mechanical stimuli. Hence, mechanoreceptors are the correct answer for detecting mechanical movement.