Bulbous corpuscle

Bulbous corpuscle

The Bulbous corpuscle or Ruffini ending is a type of mechanoreceptor found in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. These receptors are responsible for the sensation of continuous pressure and skin distortion. They are named after the Italian histologist Angelo Ruffini.

Etymology

The term "bulbous corpuscle" is derived from the Latin word "bulbus" meaning "bulb" and the Latin word "corpusculum" meaning "little body". The term "Ruffini ending" is named after Angelo Ruffini, an Italian histologist who first described these structures in 1898.

Structure and Function

Bulbous corpuscles are elongated, spindle-shaped receptors that are encapsulated by connective tissue. They are found in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the skin, particularly in the fingertips and joints. They respond to sustained pressure and tangential force, making them important for the perception of object slippage and texture.

The bulbous corpuscle is a type of slowly adapting mechanoreceptor, meaning it continues to fire action potentials as long as the mechanical stimulus continues. They are also thermoreceptors, sensitive to temperature changes, particularly warmth.

Clinical Significance

Damage or disease affecting the bulbous corpuscles can lead to a loss of pressure and skin distortion sensation, affecting a person's ability to perceive their environment and handle objects. Conditions such as diabetes and leprosy can damage these receptors, leading to a loss of sensation in the affected areas.

Related Terms

• Mechanoreceptor: A sensory receptor that responds to mechanical pressure or distortion.
• Dermis: The layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues.
• Subcutaneous tissue: The layer of tissue beneath the skin, consisting mainly of fat and connective tissue.
• Angelo Ruffini: An Italian histologist who first described the Ruffini endings.

See Also

• Merkel cell
• Meissner's corpuscle
• Pacinian corpuscle

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  Ruffini corpuscle by Angelo Ruffini