Which cells near the surface of the skin are responsible for sensing?

Receptors are specialized structures that detect changes in the environment, allowing the body to sense various stimuli such as touch, temperature, and pain. Located near the surface of the skin, these receptors include various types of sensory nerve endings that communicate with the nervous system. The precise response to different stimuli is essential for the body’s ability to react to its surroundings and maintain homeostasis.

While neurons are involved in transmitting sensory information to the brain, it is the receptors that initiate the process by detecting stimuli. Fibroblasts play a crucial role in the structure and repair of skin tissue but are not involved in sensing. Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis, contributing to the skin barrier but also do not have a direct role in sensing environmental changes. Thus, the focus on receptors highlights their specific function in sensory perception within the skin.