Nociceptors

Nociceptors are specialized sensory nerve endings that detect potentially harmful stimuli such as heat, pressure, or chemical irritation.

They are the starting point of the pain pathway, sending warning signals to the spinal cord and brain. Nociceptors play a vital protective role in acute pain, but when sensitized by injury or inflammation, they can remain overactive and contribute to chronic pain. Understanding how nociceptors function helps guide the development of targeted drugs and interventional treatments.