What process involves the conversion of one form of energy into another, particularly stimulus energies into neural impulses?

Transduction is the process that specifically refers to the conversion of one form of energy into another. In the context of sensation, it involves the transformation of various types of stimulus energies—such as light, sound, or chemical signals—into neural impulses that the brain can interpret. This foundational mechanism is essential for sensory perception because it allows external stimuli to be transformed into the signals our nervous system understands, leading to the experience of sensation.

The other terms listed do not accurately capture this specific process. Transmission typically refers to the method by which neural impulses are sent from one part of the nervous system to another, rather than the initial conversion process. Transformation, while it may imply a change, is too vague and does not specifically denote the conversion of energy types. Translation usually pertains to converting from one language to another or interpreting information, rather than the conversion of sensory stimuli into neural activity. Thus, transduction is the most precise term for this process in the context of sensory systems.