Which receptors detect changes in temperature?

• A. Thermoreceptors
• B. Mechanoreceptors
• C. Photoreceptors
• D. Chemoreceptors

Answer: (A)

Temperature changes are detected by thermoreceptors, specialized sensory receptors that respond to warmth and cold. Located in the skin and some internal areas, they come in two main types: warm receptors and cold receptors. When activated, they send signals to the brain to convey how hot or cold it feels and help regulate body temperature through the hypothalamus. This is different from mechanoreceptors, which respond to touch, pressure, and vibration; photoreceptors, which detect light; and chemoreceptors, which respond to chemical substances such as smells, tastes, or changes in blood chemistry. Understanding this helps explain how you perceive temperature during activity and how your body maintains thermal balance.