Kälterezeptoren

Kälterezeptoren, also known as cold thermoreceptors, are specialized sensory neurons in the skin and mucous membranes that detect low temperatures. These receptors are part of the somatosensory system, responsible for conveying information about touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception to the central nervous system. Kälterezeptoren are primarily activated by temperatures below human body temperature, with their activity increasing as the temperature drops.

There are several types of kälterezeptoren, with the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels playing a crucial role. Specifically, TRPM8 is a well-established cold-sensing channel that is activated by cool temperatures and compounds like menthol. Other TRP channels, such as TRPA1, can also contribute to cold sensation, particularly at very low, noxious temperatures, often in conjunction with pain signaling.

When kälterezeptoren are stimulated by cold, they generate electrical signals that travel along nerve fibers to the spinal cord and then to the brain, specifically to the somatosensory cortex. This allows for the conscious perception of cold. The sensitivity of kälterezeptoren can vary across different parts of the body and can be influenced by factors such as acclimatization and underlying physiological conditions. The detection of cold is vital for survival, enabling organisms to avoid harmful exposure to extreme cold and to regulate body temperature.