Which sensory structures are located close to the surface of the skin?

Receptors are specialized sensory structures that are situated close to the surface of the skin. They play a crucial role in our ability to perceive various stimuli, such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. The presence of these receptors allows the skin to function as an important sensory organ, helping us interact with our environment.

These receptors include mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and nociceptors, each of which responds to different types of stimuli. For instance, mechanoreceptors are sensitive to mechanical pressure or distortion, while thermoreceptors detect changes in temperature.

In contrast, neurons, while essential for transmitting signals from the receptors to the brain, are more diverse in location and function, with many extending beyond the surface of the skin. Ligaments and tendons, on the other hand, are connective tissues that serve to connect bones to each other and muscles to bones, respectively, and are not sensory structures found in the skin. Thus, the correct answer highlights the specific role and position of receptors in the sensory system of the skin.