Free nerve ending
Free nerve ending
Free nerve endings (pronunciation: /fri: nɜ:v ˈɛndɪŋ/) are one of the most common types of sensory receptor. They are non-myelinated, slow-conducting neurons that are sensitive to a variety of stimuli, such as temperature, pain, and pressure.
Etymology
The term "free nerve ending" is derived from the fact that these nerve endings are not encapsulated or associated with any specific sensory organ. They are "free" in the sense that they are dispersed throughout the body and can respond to a wide range of stimuli.
Function
Free nerve endings are primarily responsible for the sensation of pain (nociception), temperature (thermoception), and certain types of touch (mechanoreception). They are found in nearly all tissues of the body, but are particularly abundant in the skin and mucous membranes.
Structure
Free nerve endings are the terminal ends of sensory neurons. They are non-myelinated, meaning they lack a myelin sheath, which allows them to respond to a wide range of stimuli. The endings are often branched, allowing them to cover a large area and detect changes in multiple types of sensory information.
Related Terms
- Nociceptor: A type of free nerve ending that responds to potentially damaging stimuli by sending signals to the spinal cord and brain that are perceived as pain.
- Thermoreceptor: A type of free nerve ending that responds to changes in temperature.
- Mechanoreceptor: A type of free nerve ending that responds to mechanical pressure or distortion.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Free nerve ending
- Wikipedia's article - Free nerve ending
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