Final answer:
The majority of itch receptors are free nerve endings, which are sensory receptors that detect pain, temperature, and light touch. They are the most common nerve endings in the skin and would be the receptor type most likely burned when the epidermis is damaged.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, the majority of itch receptors, like those responsible for pruritus, are free nerve endings. These free nerve endings serve as sensory receptors and are capable of detecting a variety of stimuli including pain, temperature changes, and light touch. They are the most common type of nerve endings in the skin and are characterized by their slow adaptation to stimuli, making them less sensitive to abrupt changes. These receptors, along with others like Merkel cells and Meissner's corpuscles, play a key role in somatosensory reception and are distributed throughout the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis layers.
When you burn your epidermis, it is most likely that the free nerve endings are affected. These nerve endings are sensitive to painful stimuli and temperature variations, so they are the first to detect such a burn. They are part of the body's complex sensory network that allows us to feel our environment and react accordingly.