The peripheral nerve endings of sensory nerves that respond to stimuli are called what?

The peripheral nerve endings of sensory nerves that respond to stimuli are known as receptors. Receptors are specialized structures that detect changes in the environment, such as light, sound, temperature, and pressure. They convert these stimuli into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system, allowing the body to respond appropriately to various sensory inputs.

Each type of receptor is specifically adapted to respond to particular stimuli, ensuring that the nervous system receives accurate information about the body's internal and external environments. This function is essential for processes such as vision, hearing, taste, and touch, contributing to the body's overall ability to perceive and react to its surroundings.

In contrast, transmitters refer to chemicals that transmit signals across synapses in the nervous system; neurons are the individual cells that make up the nervous system; conductors typically refer to materials that carry electrical current rather than signaling pathways in the nervous system. Therefore, the term receptors is the most accurate choice for describing the peripheral nerve endings that respond to stimuli.