Which statement correctly defines tactile receptors?

Which statement correctly defines tactile receptors?

• A. Receptors that detect touch and pressure.
• B. Receptors that detect color.
• C. Receptors that detect sound.
• D. Receptors that detect temperature only.

Answer: (A)

Tactile receptors are mechanoreceptors in the skin that respond to mechanical stimuli—especially touch and pressure, and often vibration or skin stretch. The statement that tactile receptors detect touch and pressure captures their primary role: they transduce mechanical deformation of the skin into neural signals that convey tactile information to the brain. Different receptor types under the tactile umbrella reflect specific mechanical cues, like light touch, pressure, and vibration, which is why this option is the best fit. Color is detected by photoreceptors in the retina, not tactile receptors. Sound is detected by auditory receptors in the inner ear, and temperature is detected by thermoreceptors.

Tactile receptors are mechanoreceptors in the skin that respond to mechanical stimuli—especially touch and pressure, and often vibration or skin stretch. The statement that tactile receptors detect touch and pressure captures their primary role: they transduce mechanical deformation of the skin into neural signals that convey tactile information to the brain. Different receptor types under the tactile umbrella reflect specific mechanical cues, like light touch, pressure, and vibration, which is why this option is the best fit.

Color is detected by photoreceptors in the retina, not tactile receptors. Sound is detected by auditory receptors in the inner ear, and temperature is detected by thermoreceptors.