Pacinian corpuscle
Pacinian Corpuscle
Pacinian corpuscles (pronounced: puh-SIN-ee-uhn KOR-puh-suhl), also known as lamellar corpuscles, are one of the four major types of mechanoreceptor cells in the human skin. They are named after their discoverer, Italian anatomist Filippo Pacini.
Etymology
The term "Pacinian" is derived from the name of the Italian anatomist Filippo Pacini, who first described these structures in the 19th century. The term "corpuscle" comes from the Latin corpusculum, meaning "small body".
Function
Pacinian corpuscles are responsible for the sensation of deep pressure and high-frequency vibration. They are the most sensitive to vibrations of all the mechanoreceptors. They are located in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, and they are particularly abundant in the fingertips, soles of the feet, and the clitoris.
Structure
Each Pacinian corpuscle is an oval-shaped structure made up of 20 to 60 concentric layers of collagen and fibroblast cells, with a single nerve ending located in the center. The entire structure is encapsulated in a connective tissue capsule.
Related Terms
- Mechanoreceptor: A sensory receptor that responds to mechanical pressure or distortion.
- Dermis: The layer of skin beneath the epidermis that contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands.
- Subcutaneous tissue: The layer of fat and connective tissue that houses larger blood vessels and nerves.
- Collagen: The main structural protein in the extracellular space in the various connective tissues in the body.
- Fibroblast: A type of cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pacinian corpuscle
- Wikipedia's article - Pacinian corpuscle
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