Mechanism by which information is received about one's external or internal environment. Stimuli received by nerves, in some cases through specialized organs with receptor cells sensitive to one type of stimulus, are converted into impulses that travel to specialized areas of the brain, where they are analyzed. In addition to the “five senses”—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—humans have senses of motion (kinesthetic sense), heat, cold, pressure, pain, and balance. Temperature, pressure, and pain are cutaneous (skin) senses; different points on the skin are particularly sensitive to each. Seealso chemoreception, ear, eye, inner ear, mechanoreception, nose, photoreception, proprioception, taste, thermoreception, tongue.

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• in telecommunications, the action of an electronic receiver, such as for radio or remote control (a good signal allows for clear reception)
• a party, such as a wedding reception, where the guests are "received" (welcomed) by the newlyweds
• Receptionist, the initial contact in an office
• Reception (American football), a type of play where the ball is received (caught) by a player on the thrower's team
• Reception (School), in England, Wales and South Australia, the first year of primary school, following pre-school or nursery school
• Reception (astrology)
• Doctrine of reception in English law

See also

• Reception history
• Reception theory
• Mutual reception
• Receivership
• Receipt