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

Receptors, specifically sensory receptors, are found in the skin and are responsible for detecting various stimuli such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. These specialized structures are embedded in the skin and transmit information to the nervous system, allowing the body to respond to environmental changes.

Understanding the role of receptors is crucial in esthetics because skin treatments often aim to enhance sensory functions or alleviate discomfort associated with various skin conditions. The other options, while related to the skin's function, do not directly involve the sensing process: neurons transmit signals but are not located near the surface; fibroblasts play a role in structural support and collagen production; and keratinocytes are the main cells of the epidermis, primarily involved in the barrier function of the skin.