PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your body’s alert center

SENSORY RECEPTORS

Sensory receptors in the skin allow you to feel touch, pressure, vibration, temperature, and pain. They’re specialized nerve endings spread throughout the skin, constantly sending signals to your brain so you can respond to the world around you.Regulates body temperature by releasing sweat for cooling

  • Detects touch, pressure, vibration, temperature, and pain

  • Sends signals to the brain through sensory nerves

  • Protects the body by warning of harmful stimuli (like heat or sharp objects)

  • Allows fine sensations like texture and gentle touch

  • Supports balance and body awareness through sensory feedback

SENSORY RECEPTOR BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for sebaceous gland-related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Mechanoreceptors - Detect touch, pressure, stretch, and vibration

Thermoreceptors - Detect changes in temperature (hot or cold)

Nociceptors - Detect pain from injury, pressure, or chemicals

Merkel Cells - Specialized skin cells that sense light touch and texture

Meissner’s Corpuscles - Receptors that sense gentle touch and vibration

Pacinian Corpuscles - Receptors that detect deep pressure and strong vibration

WHAT SENSORY RECEPTORS WORK WITH

sENSORY RECEPTORS + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Skin (Epidermis & Dermis) → Houses sensory nerve endings

  2. Nervous System → Transmits signals from receptors to the brain and spinal cord

  3. Muscles & Reflexes → React to sensory signals for quick protection

  4. Temperature & Pain Pathways → Work to help avoid injury

  5. Circulatory System → Increases blood flow to areas needing healing after injury

HealthY SENSORY RECEPTORS…

Protecting your skin from burns, injuries, and nerve damage helps keep sensory receptors functioning. A balanced diet with vitamins (like B vitamins for nerves) and proper circulation also supports receptor health.