What type of receptors allow for sensing of stimuli in the external environment?

Exteroreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to stimuli originating from the external environment. They play a crucial role in detecting changes such as light, sound, touch, temperature, and chemical signals, allowing organisms to interact appropriately with their surroundings. This type of receptor is essential for the senses we often rely on, such as vision, hearing, and the sense of touch, facilitating the perception of our external environment.

Proprioceptors, on the other hand, are responsible for sensing the position and movement of the body, working internally rather than in response to external stimuli. Interoceptors monitor internal conditions of the body, such as blood pressure and internal temperature, and are not focused on external environmental stimuli. Thermoreceptors fall under the broader category of exteroreceptors since they specifically detect temperature changes, but exteroreceptors encompass a wider range of sensory inputs from the external environment. Thus, exteroreceptors are the most accurate answer to identify receptors that sense external stimuli.