Where in the body are receptive fields found?

Receptive fields are found throughout the body, as they encompass the sensory periphery where stimuli influence the electrical activity of sensory cells. Specifically, they are located in:1

• Body surfaces: Including the skin.1
• Tissues: Such as muscles and joints.1
• Sensory organs: Including the eyes (retina).1
• Internal organs: Various regions within the body.1

The concept of a receptive field is fundamental to sensory neurobiology, as it defines the specific location where a sensory stimulus must be presented to elicit a response from a sensory neuron. While often associated with spatial regions on the body or retina, receptive fields also exist in systems like the auditory system, where they may be defined by the specific set of frequencies to which a cell responds.1