Final answer:
The type of sensory receptor that senses changes in chemical concentrations is the chemoreceptor. These receptors are essential for the sense of smell and taste and for monitoring chemical levels in the body, distinguishing them from other receptors like mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and proprioceptors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sensory receptor type that senses changes in chemical concentrations is known as a chemoreceptor. These receptors are integral for processes such as olfaction (smell) and gustation (taste), where they interpret various chemical stimuli.
Chemoreceptors are also involved in monitoring the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen ions in the blood, as well as other substances like lactic acid.
While chemoreceptors detect chemical stimuli, other types of sensory receptors include mechanoreceptors which respond to mechanical stimuli like pressure and vibration, thermoreceptors which detect changes in temperature, and proprioceptors which provide feedback on the position of one's body parts.
Compared to these, chemoreceptors are specifically tuned to react to chemical substances within the environment or body.
Therefore, within the context of sensory reception, whenever there is an inquiry about which receptor senses changes in chemical concentrations, the correct option is chemoreceptor.