Final answer:
Sensation occurs when sensory receptors detect sensory stimuli and transduce them into nerve impulses. The first step in sensation is reception, where sensory receptors are activated by stimuli such as mechanical stimuli, chemicals, or temperature. Integration in the central nervous system processes the sensory information, leading to perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sensation occurs when sensory receptors detect sensory stimuli and transduce them into nerve impulses. The first step in sensation is reception, where sensory receptors are activated by stimuli such as mechanical stimuli, chemicals, or temperature. Once the sensory information is detected and transduced, it is processed in the central nervous system through integration, leading to the perception of the sensation.