Merkel’s Corpuscle Grandry: Merkel Corpuscle
Merkel’s corpuscle is a type of nerve ending found in the dermis of the skin, and is considered to be a type of sensory receptor. It was first discovered and described by German anatomist Friedrich Sigmund Merkel in 1875. Merkel’s corpuscles are found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and are found in regions of the body where there is a high concentration of tactile receptors, such as the fingertips, palms, lips, and tongue. They are responsible for detecting light touch and pressure, and are particularly sensitive to slow, sustained stimulation.
Merkel’s corpuscles are encapsulated in a capsule of connective tissue, and consist of a central core of neurofilaments surrounded by a layer of Schwann cells. The core of the corpuscle is filled with a viscous fluid, which is believed to be involved in the transmission of sensory information to the brain. Merkel’s corpuscles are also believed to be involved in the transmission of information regarding the texture of objects.
Merkel’s corpuscles are thought to be involved in the sensation of touch, and are believed to be responsible for the perception of light pressure and texture. They are also thought to be involved in the perception of vibrations, and may be involved in the perception of temperature. Merkel’s corpuscles are also believed to be involved in the perception of pain, as they are sensitive to mechanical stimulation.
Merkel’s corpuscles are also believed to play a role in the development of the nervous system. In adults, Merkel’s corpuscles are highly sensitive to light touch, and this is believed to be the result of the development of the nervous system during infancy and childhood. Merkel’s corpuscles are also believed to be involved in the development of the sense of touch in infants, as they are sensitive to light pressure and texture.
The role of Merkel’s corpuscles in the perception of touch has been studied extensively, and the results of these studies suggest that they are highly sensitive to light touch and pressure, and are involved in the perception of texture. Further research is needed to better understand the role of Merkel’s corpuscles in the development of the nervous system, and in the perception of touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
References
Heller, S., & Heller, M. (2010). The skin: An illustrated guide. Stuttgart: Thieme.
Gale, E. (Ed.). (2014). Encyclopedia of neuroscience. Berlin: Springer Science & Business Media.
Geist, C., & Wessberg, J. (2015). Merkel’s corpuscles: From basic science to clinical practice. Physiology, 30(3), 195-213.