Final answer:
Somatic sensory receptors are located in the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints. These receptors send signals through the spinal cord or cranial nerves, which then reach the CNS for the brain to interpret and respond to the stimuli.
Step-by-step explanation:
The receptors that detect information carried by the somatic sensory division to the CNS (Central Nervous System) are located in various parts of the body such as the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints. These receptors include specialized cells capable of responding to different types of stimuli, for example, temperature, pressure, and pain. Sensory receptors in areas below the neck convey signals through the sensory pathways of the spinal cord, while those in the head and neck region use the cranial nerves, particularly the trigeminal system, to reach the CNS. Upon activation by stimuli, these receptors trigger nerve impulses which travel along sensory nerves towards the CNS. The impulses journey up the spinal cord, through the medulla and thalamus, and eventually reach the somatosensory cortex located in the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe. This process allows the brain to interpret the sensory information and form appropriate responses, including reflex actions and voluntary movements.