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Thermosensation

Thermosensation

Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...

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The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...

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The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...

Body Temperature

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Somatosensation

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

A Simple and Inexpensive Method for Determining Cold Sensitivity and Adaptation in Mice

A Simple and Inexpensive Method for Determining Cold Sensitivity and Adaptation in Mice

Published on: March 17, 2015

The cellular code for mammalian thermosensation.

Leah A Pogorzala¹, Santosh K Mishra, Mark A Hoon

¹Molecular Genetics Unit, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research-National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience

|March 29, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Mammalian sensory neurons detect temperature. Specific neurons, TRPV1 for heat and TRPM8 for cold, are crucial for sensing and responding to thermal cues, influencing environmental choices.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Sensory Biology
Thermosensation

Background:

Mammalian somatosensory neurons detect thermal stimuli, enabling environmental discrimination.
Previous studies generated temperature-insensitive mice by early-life nociceptor ablation.
The role of specific thermosensory neurons in adult mice remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the specific roles of molecularly defined thermosensory neurons in adult mice.
To determine which neuronal populations mediate responses to hot and cold stimuli.
To elucidate the cellular basis of mammalian thermosensation.

Main Methods:

Selective ablation of specific nociceptor populations in adult mice.
Behavioral analysis of responses to a range of thermal stimuli.
Investigation of neuronal populations expressing TRPV1, TRPM8, and Mrgprd.

Main Results:

TRPV1-expressing neurons mediate behavioral responses to temperatures between 40-50°C.
TRPM8 neurons are essential for cold aversion.
Combined ablation of TRPV1/TRPM8 with Mrgprd neurons significantly reduced responses to extreme temperatures.
Mice lacking both TRPV1 and TRPM8 neurons showed no preference or aversion between 10-50°C.

Conclusions:

Separate neuronal populations (TRPV1 for heat, TRPM8 for cold) encode distinct thermal cues.
The sensation of warmth may arise from reduced aversive input from TRPM8 and TRPV1 neurons.
Two molecularly defined sensory neuron classes provide a cellular basis for mammalian thermosensation.