Neuron Endings:

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Neuron endings are different at opposite ends of the neuron. At the receiving end in the soma–dendritic region, the soma and dendrites form the processing center for incoming electrochemical stimulation (neurotransmitters). They’re specialized receptors with different functions and locations. Finger-like projections called dendrites respond to mechanical stimulation (touch, pressure, vibration) and are found in the skin, muscles, glands, joints, cornea, and alimentary tract. At the opposite transmitting end, axon terminals and terminal buttons, the axon’s swollen end branches, transmit messages to other cells by releasing neurotransmitters into synapses—the gap created between dendrites of one neuron and axon terminals of neighboring neurons. Neuron endings are part of sensory neurons throughout the body — sending information to the brain to detect pain, touch, and temperature. Also see Sensory Receptors. At the receiving end are two types of dendrites:

• “Free” or Unencapsulated Dendrites are embedded in tissues that receive sensations and are most often sensitive to a stimulus. Examples include receptors for temperature (thermoreceptors) or pain/damage (nociceptors) in the skin dermis and epidermis.
• Encapsulated Dendrites, their terminal ends enclosed in capsules of connective tissue, have enhanced specialization and sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Located in the skin’s middle level (the dermis), these neurons respond to pressure and touch (mechanoreceptors).