Which receptors sense hot and cold?

• A. Proprioceptors
• B. Thermoreceptors
• C. Nerve Endings
• D. Nociceptors

Answer: (B)

Receptors that sense hot and cold are thermoreceptors. These are specialized nerve endings that respond to changes in temperature, with cold receptors and warm receptors located in the skin and elsewhere. The brain interprets the signals from these receptors to perceive sensations of warmth or coolness and to help regulate body temperature. If temperatures become extreme, signals can be carried by other receptors that respond to potential tissue damage, but the general sense of hot and cold comes from thermoreceptors. Proprioceptors monitor body position and movement, not temperature; nociceptors detect pain from tissue damage, not ordinary temperature, and “nerve endings” is too vague to specify temperature sensing.