A specialized nerve receptor that detects and responds to painful stimuli in the body.
From Greek 'algesis' (pain sensation) combined with 'receptor' (from Latin 'recipere,' to receive). This modern neuroscience term was coined as scientists began understanding how pain receptors work at the cellular level.
Your body has different types of pain receptors for different kinds of pain—some detect sharp stabbing pain, others detect burning or aching—which is why pinching yourself feels totally different from touching a hot stove.
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