Free nerve ending

Definition

Free nerve endings are unspecialized, afferent nerve fibers that respond to a variety of stimuli such as pain and temperature. They are the most common type of nerve endings in the skin and other tissues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Free nerve endings are responsible for detecting pain (nociception) and temperature changes.
2. They are found throughout the skin, mucous membranes, muscles, joints, and visceral organs.
3. These nerve endings can be either myelinated or unmyelinated.
4. Free nerve endings do not have any complex structures like encapsulated receptors.
5. They play a crucial role in protective reflexes by quickly detecting harmful stimuli.

Review Questions

• What types of stimuli do free nerve endings detect?
• Where in the body can free nerve endings be found?
• How do free nerve endings differ from encapsulated receptors?

Related terms

Nociceptor: A sensory receptor that responds to potentially damaging stimuli by sending signals to the spinal cord and brain.

Thermoreceptor: A sensory receptor that detects changes in temperature.

Encapsulated Receptor: A type of sensory receptor with specialized structures that help detect specific types of mechanical pressure or vibration.