Which area of the hand is primarily responsible for sensing temperature?

The dorsum of the hand is primarily responsible for sensing temperature due to the presence of a higher concentration of thermoreceptors in this area. These receptors are specialized nerve endings that detect changes in temperature. The skin on the dorsum is thinner compared to the palm and can therefore have a higher density of sensory receptors, allowing it to respond effectively to cold and heat stimuli.

While other areas of the hand, such as the finger pads, base of fingers, and thumb pad, do contain sensory receptors, they are more involved in sensing pressure and tactile reception rather than temperature specifically. The finger pads, for instance, are adept at fine touch sensation due to the dense concentration of mechanoreceptors, but they do not have as prominent a role in thermoregulation as the dorsum does. Thus, when it comes to thermal sensation, the dorsum of the hand takes precedence.