Why does our anus have receptors for spicy stuff?
In: Biology
There is no specific receptor for “spicy stuff”. At least that is not the intended purpose of it. The nerve endings that get activated by the capsaicin molecule are the same that transmit signals about heat/pain. So as long as there are those nerve endings, and they can be hit by the molecule, which works best on mucosa, then you can feel the spicy stuff. As for the reason why those nerve endings in the anus exist in the first place, this is more difficult to answer. I do not agree with the other answer that it does not serve any purpose. But I must admit that I can not see an obvious one either. It may just be for protection. This is the main reason why pain receptors exist. So damage is avoided.
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