National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

Which type of receptors are responsible for sensing position in body tissues?

1. Nociceptors

2. Mechanoreceptors

3. Thermoreceptors

4. Photoreceptors

The correct answer is: Mechanoreceptors

Mechanoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion. They play a crucial role in sensing position and movement within body tissues. These receptors are found in various locations, including muscles, tendons, and joints, where they detect changes in the environment, such as stretch, pressure, and vibration. This information is vital for proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. The correct choice reflects the primary function of mechanoreceptors in providing feedback to the central nervous system about the position of body parts, which is essential for coordination and balance during physical activity. The other types of receptors, while important in their specific functions, are not involved in sensing position in tissues. Nociceptors detect pain, thermoreceptors are responsible for temperature changes, and photoreceptors are sensitive to light, none of which contribute to proprioceptive awareness.