Which type of sensory receptor is responsible for detecting touch?

Mechanoreceptors are the type of sensory receptors specifically responsible for detecting touch and mechanical pressure. These receptors respond to physical deformation or changes in their environment, which occurs when someone touches or applies pressure to the skin. Mechanoreceptors are located throughout the skin and other tissues and play a critical role in our sense of touch, enabling us to perceive sensations such as light touch, deep pressure, and vibration.

In contrast, photoreceptors are specialized to detect light and are essential for vision, while thermoreceptors are sensitive to changes in temperature. Chemoreceptors, on the other hand, respond to chemical stimuli, which are important for the senses of taste and smell. Each of these receptors has a distinct function related to different sensory modalities, making mechanoreceptors the right choice for the detection of touch.