All sensory stimuli can be traced back to the brain as this is where the stimuli are converted into signals for the brain to comprehend (Hill et al. 2016). The definition of a neuron can be looked at to better understand neural physiology. A neuron can be defined as "a cell that is specially adapted to generate an electrical signal" which "travels from place to place in the cell". Afferent neurons are ones that "relay sensory signals to integrative centers" of the central nervous system. These are the neurons that are crucial to how the sensory systems function. When the stimulus triggers a reflex, the "stimulus initiates a brief series of action potentials in sensory neurons" these electrical signals are able to travel to the central nervous system, where it comes into contact with other sensory neurons.
Sensory neurons have different functions. Depending on their role, they are tasked to perform various functions. For example, some sensory neurons are odorant detectors and are "exposed to the environment" which is "frequently enlarged by cilia and microvilli" (Døving 2010). Another form of sensory neurons have mechanoreceptors which aid detection of "tactile stimuli" or the "perception of innocuous touch" (Abraira & Ginty 2013). Overall, various forms of sensory neurons are present and is the key in understanding mechanosensing and the diverse sensory systems.