Editing Action potential (section)

===Sensory neurons===
{{Main|Sensory neuron}}

In [[sensory neurons]], an external signal such as pressure, temperature, light, or sound is coupled with the opening and closing of [[ion channels]], which in turn alter the ionic permeabilities of the membrane and its voltage.{{sfnm|1a1=Schmidt-Nielsen|1y=1997|1pp=535–580|2a1=Bullock|2a2=Orkand|2a3=Grinnell|2y=1977|2pp=49–56, 76–93, 247–255|3a1=Stevens|3y=1966|3pp=69–79}} These voltage changes can again be excitatory (depolarizing) or inhibitory (hyperpolarizing) and, in some sensory neurons, their combined effects can depolarize the axon hillock enough to provoke action potentials. Some examples in humans include the [[olfactory receptor neuron]] and [[Meissner's corpuscle]], which are critical for the sense of [[olfaction|smell]] and [[somatosensory system|touch]], respectively. However, not all sensory neurons convert their external signals into action potentials; some do not even have an axon.{{sfnm|1a1=Bullock|1a2=Orkand|1a3=Grinnell|1y=1977|1pp=53|2a1=Bullock|2a2=Orkand|2a3=Grinnell|2y=1977|2pp=122–124}} Instead, they may convert the signal into the release of a [[neurotransmitter]], or into continuous [[receptor potential|graded potentials]], either of which may stimulate subsequent neuron(s) into firing an action potential. For illustration, in the human [[ear]], [[hair cell]]s convert the incoming sound into the opening and closing of [[stretch-activated ion channel|mechanically gated ion channels]], which may cause [[neurotransmitter]] molecules to be released. In similar manner, in the human [[retina]], the initial [[photoreceptor cell]]s and the next layer of cells (comprising [[bipolar cell]]s and [[horizontal cell]]s) do not produce action potentials; only some [[amacrine cell]]s and the third layer, the [[Retinal ganglion cell|ganglion cell]]s, produce action potentials, which then travel up the [[optic nerve]].{{cn|date=May 2024}}