What role do sensory receptors in the skin play?

What role do sensory receptors in the skin play?

• A. They produce sweat
• B. They respond to external stimuli
• C. They aid in calcium absorption
• D. They regulate body temperature

Answer: (B)

Sensory receptors in the skin are primarily responsible for detecting and responding to external stimuli, which includes sensations such as touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and vibration. These receptors help the body perceive its environment, allowing individuals to react appropriately to changes, such as withdrawing a hand from something hot or responding to a gentle touch. This ability to sense and respond to the environment is crucial for protecting the body and maintaining homeostasis. The other options, while relevant to skin functions, do not accurately describe the primary role of sensory receptors. For instance, sweat production is a function of sweat glands, not sensory receptors. Similarly, although skin plays a role in regulating body temperature through sweat production and blood flow, this function does not pertain directly to the sensory receptors themselves. Lastly, the aid in calcium absorption is primarily related to vitamin D synthesis in the skin rather than the sensory receptors' function. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the specific role of sensory receptors in the skin.

Sensory receptors in the skin are primarily responsible for detecting and responding to external stimuli, which includes sensations such as touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and vibration. These receptors help the body perceive its environment, allowing individuals to react appropriately to changes, such as withdrawing a hand from something hot or responding to a gentle touch. This ability to sense and respond to the environment is crucial for protecting the body and maintaining homeostasis.

The other options, while relevant to skin functions, do not accurately describe the primary role of sensory receptors. For instance, sweat production is a function of sweat glands, not sensory receptors. Similarly, although skin plays a role in regulating body temperature through sweat production and blood flow, this function does not pertain directly to the sensory receptors themselves. Lastly, the aid in calcium absorption is primarily related to vitamin D synthesis in the skin rather than the sensory receptors' function. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the specific role of sensory receptors in the skin.