Which cells in the skin are primarily responsible for sensing temperature changes?

The cells primarily responsible for sensing temperature changes in the skin are thermoreceptors. These specialized receptors are designed to detect variations in temperature, allowing the body to perceive heat and cold. Thermoreceptors play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by triggering responses that help regulate body temperature, such as sweating in response to heat or shivering in response to cold.

While other options listed are involved in the sensory functions of the skin, they serve different purposes. For example, Merkel cells are involved in touch sensitivity, particularly in detecting texture and pressure. Pacinian corpuscles are responsible for sensing deep pressure and vibration, while Meissner's corpuscles are more attuned to light touch and texture. Thus, while all these sensory cells contribute to the skin's ability to gather information about the environment, it is thermoreceptors that are specifically geared toward the detection of temperature changes.