Chemoreceptors detect the presence of chemicals. Thermoreceptors detect changes in temperature.

What type of stimulus do thermoreceptors react?

However, some thermoreceptors are polymodal, meaning they are capable of responding to both hot and cold stimuli, as well as to certain chemicals, such as capsaicin and menthol, that initiate sensations similar to hot and cold.

What are thermoreceptors stimulated by?

In general, thermoreceptors are divided into low- and high-threshold receptors. The low-threshold receptors are activated by temperatures between 15 and 45 °C, which are usually not painful and the brief stimulus durations usually used for assessment do not damage tissue.