Which component detects temperature changes on the skin?

The component that detects temperature changes on the skin is indeed receptors. Specifically, thermoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors located in the skin that respond to thermal stimuli. These receptors can sense variations in temperature and play a crucial role in helping the body maintain homeostasis by providing the nervous system with information about environmental temperature conditions.

Receptors convert external stimuli into electrical signals that the nervous system can interpret, allowing the body to react appropriately to temperature changes. For instance, when exposed to cold temperatures, thermoreceptors send signals to the brain, which may trigger responses like shivering or vasoconstriction to conserve heat. Similarly, in warm conditions, receptors would signal for mechanisms to dissipate heat, such as sweating. This dynamic system of detecting and responding to temperature helps the body maintain its internal temperature within a safe range, thriving in a variety of environmental conditions.

The other options represent different physiological roles: effectors carry out responses based on signals from receptors, integrators process sensory information and formulate responses, and muscle cells are involved in movement rather than sensory detection.