Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which sensory nerve endings are responsible for detecting touch and pain?

1. Thermoreceptors

2. Mechanoreceptors

3. Photoreceptors

4. Proprioceptors

The correct answer is: Mechanoreceptors

Mechanoreceptors are sensory nerve endings that are primarily responsible for detecting touch and pressure sensations. These receptors are embedded within the skin and various other tissues, allowing them to respond to mechanical changes, such as stretching or compression. When these mechanoreceptors are stimulated by an external force, they transduce that physical stimulus into electrical signals that the nervous system can interpret as touch. In addition to mechanoreceptors, it is important to note that pain sensation is also mediated by other types of receptors known as nociceptors. However, since the question focuses specifically on touch and includes mechanoreceptors, the choice of mechanoreceptors as the answer encompasses the detection of tactile sensations. Thermoreceptors are specialized for sensing temperature changes, photoreceptors are involved in detecting light for vision, and proprioceptors are responsible for sensing the position and movement of the body. Each of these receptors has a distinct role, but mechanoreceptors are uniquely positioned to address the requirements of detecting touch.