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):
- Proprioceptor
- Photoreceptor
- Nociceptor
- Mechanoreceptor
- Baroreceptor
See also:
Related term(s):
- thermoreception
