Nociceptor

A nociceptor is a sensory receptor that responds only after a high level of stimuli or a level enough to hurt the individual. When they are activated they can generate a reflex and pain.

Location

Nociceptors are dendrites at the end of neurons.

Functions

Nociceptors respond to intense mechanical deformation, excessive heat, excessive lack of heat (e.g cold), electrical stimulation, many chemicals, and other forms of stimulation, the majority of which are damaging to the tissue surrounding the nociceptor.

See also

• Mechanoreceptor
• Reflex
• Sensory system
• Thermoreceptor