key term - Nociceptor

Definition

Nociceptors are specialized sensory neurons that respond to damaging or potentially damaging stimuli by sending signals to the spinal cord and brain, which is interpreted as pain. These receptors are found throughout the body, including in skin, joints, and organs.

Related terms

Pain: A distressing feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli, interpreted and processed by the brain following nociceptor activation.

Sensory Neurons: Nerve cells that are responsible for converting external stimuli from the organism's environment into internal electrical impulses.

Somatic Nervous System:

Part of the peripheral nervous system associated with voluntary control of body movements through the action of skeletal muscles, and also processes sensory information from external sources