Final answer:
Nociceptors are sensory receptors that respond to potentially damaging stimuli by sending pain signals to the brain to indicate potential tissue damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Receptors in the nervous system that respond to potentially damaging stimuli are known as nociceptors. Nociceptors are a type of sensory receptor that transduce harmful stimuli into nerve impulses that are interpreted by the brain as pain. These receptors are crucial for the protective sensation of pain, warning an organism of potential damage to tissues. Different nociceptors are activated depending on the specific type of harmful stimulus, such as extreme temperatures, mechanical damage, or chemicals released from tissue injury.