What type of sensory fibers are responsible for detecting pain?

Nociceptors are specialized sensory fibers that respond to potentially harmful stimuli by detecting pain. They are found throughout the body and are particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures, chemical changes, and mechanical damage that could lead to tissue injury. When activated, nociceptors send signals to the brain that are interpreted as pain, serving as a crucial warning system to protect the body from harm.

Other types of sensory fibers have different roles. Proprioceptors provide information about body position and movement but do not detect pain. Mechanoreceptors respond to mechanical pressure or distortion, such as touch or vibration, while thermoreceptors are sensitive to temperature changes. Thus, while these other receptors contribute to our sensory experiences, it is the nociceptors that specifically play the role of detecting pain.