Definition

A type of sensory receptor that detects harmful stimuli and sends signals to the brain, leading to the feeling of pain.

Example

When you touch something hot, nociceptors in your skin send signals to your brain to warn you of the danger.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a nociceptor?

Yeah, I think it's related to how we feel pain, right?

Exactly! They send signals when something hurts us.

That makes sense; it’s fascinating how our body works.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nociceptor is formed from "nocere" (meaning to harm or hurt) and "ceptor" (from Latin "capere", meaning to seize or take). The word describes a sensory receptor that seizes or detects harmful stimuli, thus indicating pain.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nocere' meaning to harm, and 'ceptor' meaning to seize. This helps you remember that a nociceptor is a receptor that detects harmful stimuli.

Visually Confused Words