Final answer:
The receptors activated first when touching a hot plate are nociceptors, which cause a reflexive withdrawal to stop the pain and prevent tissue damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When touching a hot plate, the type of receptors that are activated first are nociceptors. These receptors are responsible for detecting pain signals, which would cause a person to reflexively remove their hand from the hot surface to stop the pain. Nociceptors are a type of sensory receptor that respond to potentially damaging stimuli by sending nerve signals perceived as pain.
There are over three million pain receptors, including nociceptors, throughout the body. These receptors are found in skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and even some organs. They play a critical role in protecting the body from harm by triggering reflexive actions, such as quickly pulling away from a heat source, to prevent more severe injury or damage.The thermoreceptors would also be activated due to the change in temperature; however, it is the activation of nociceptors that primarily triggers the rapid reflexive withdrawal from the hot object to reduce pain and tissue damage.