What structures are responsible for sensing pain in the skin?

Nociceptors are the specialized sensory receptors responsible for detecting pain. They are a type of sensory neuron that responds to potentially damaging stimuli by sending signals to the brain that are interpreted as pain. These receptors can be activated by various harmful stimuli, including mechanical damage, extreme temperatures, and chemical irritants.

While mechanoreceptors detect mechanical pressure or distortion, such as touch and vibration, thermoreceptors are specialized for sensing changes in temperature, and photoreceptors are involved in detecting light. Nociceptors, on the other hand, are directly linked to the perception of pain, making them the correct choice for this question. Their unique role in signaling danger and potential injury is crucial for protection and survival, alerting the body to harmful conditions that may require immediate attention or response.