What does the term "sensation" refer to?

The term "sensation" specifically refers to the process by which sensory receptors receive and convert stimulus energies into neural signals that can be interpreted by the brain. This involves the activation of specialized sensory cells that detect different types of stimuli, such as light, sound, or pressure. Once these receptors are activated, they send information to the brain, where it can then be organized and understood.

This definition underscores the importance of the sensory systems in our ability to perceive our environment. It highlights the connection between the physical properties of stimuli and the biological mechanisms that enable us to sense them. In contrast, the interpretation of these signals, the physical feeling of a stimulus, and the neural coding of sensory information are related processes but do not directly define the act of sensation itself. Sensation is fundamentally about the initial reception of stimulus energy, making it a distinct phase in the overall perception process.