Thermoreceptor

Definition

noun, plural: thermoreceptors

The sensory nerve ending in a sensory cell sensitive to changes in temperature (i.e. heat or cold).

Supplement

Snakes have special thermoreceptors found in the pit organ involved in infrared sensing.

Word origin: thermo- + receptor

Compare (with other sensory receptors):

See also:

pit organ

Related term(s):

thermoreception

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Homeostasis in Humans

The body temperature is controlled by the anterior hypothalamus (the preoptic area). It directly senses the temperature, as well as evaluates the thermoreceptor signals coming from the skin and other parts of the body (e.g. mucous membranes). Based on these signals it promotes either heat retention ...

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by biohazard: Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:55 am; Forum: Human Biology; Topic: Homeostasis in Humans; Replies: 1; Views: 1666

This page was last modified 08:22, 19 July 2010. This page has been accessed 1,790 times.
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Thermoreceptor

Results from our forum

Homeostasis in Humans