exteroceptor

n.
A sense organ, such as the ear, that receives and responds to stimuli originating from outside the body.

[Latin exter, outside; see exterior + (RE)CEPTOR.]

exteroceptive ex'ter·o·cep'tive adj.

(ek′stər-ō-sep′turz)
n.pl

Sensory nerve end receptors that respond to external stimuli; located in the skin, mouth, eyes, ears, and nose.

A sensory receptor that responds to stimuli from outside the body. Exteroceptors include touch, pressure, pain, and skin-temperature receptors, as well as special receptors in the eye and ear concerned with sight and hearing. Compare interoceptor.

A sensory nerve ending stimulated by the immediate external environment, such as those in the skin and mucous membranes.