Which of the following statements BEST explains why third-degree burns are less painful than second-degree burns?

Third-degree burns extend deeply enough to damage or destroy sensory nerve endings. With fewer functioning nerves to transmit pain signals, the burned area may feel less painful than a second-degree burn, which can expose and irritate nerve endings. Therefore, the best answer is B: third-degree burns result in nerve damage, which reduces feeling.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.