Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Thermoreceptors are specialized sensory nerve cells that detect changes in temperature and convey this information to the nervous system. They are essential for maintaining homeostasis by enabling the perception of cold and heat.
Related terms
Nociceptor: A type of sensory neuron that responds to potentially damaging stimuli by sending signals to the spinal cord and brain, which we perceive as pain.
Mechanoreceptor: Sensory receptors responsible for sensing mechanical pressure or distortion, playing key roles in touch, proprioception, and hearing.
The process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain a stable, constant condition in response to changes in the external environment