What type of nerve endings signal the sensation of pain?

Nociceptors are specialized sensory nerve endings that detect signals related to pain. They respond to potentially harmful stimuli, such as extreme heat or pressure, chemical irritants, and tissue damage, triggering the sensation of pain. This mechanism is crucial for the body's defense system, alerting individuals to potential injury or harm, prompting them to react to avoid further damage.

In contrast, mechanoreceptors are responsible for sensing mechanical changes, such as pressure and vibration; thermoreceptors detect changes in temperature; and photoreceptors are involved in the detection of light and are essential for vision. While each type of receptor plays a significant role in sensory perception, it is nociceptors specifically that signal pain sensations.