thermocytes
Thermocytes are a proposed class of specialized cells that participate in temperature sensing and thermoregulation. They are defined by their capacity to detect thermal changes and translate these changes into chemical signals that coordinate heat production and heat loss. The term appears in contemporary literature to distinguish these cells from conventional sensory neurons and from classic effectors of metabolism.
Morphology and signaling: Thermocytes are typically rich in mitochondria and express a set of temperature-sensitive ion
Distribution and roles: In mammals, thermocytes have been described in skin and certain visceral organs, where
Research status and outlook: Thermocytes represent an emerging area of thermoregulation research. Definitions and functions vary