Bulboid corpuscle

Bulboid corpuscle (also known as Krause end bulb or Krause corpuscle) is a type of mechanoreceptor, a sensory receptor, that is found in the human body. These corpuscles are named after the German anatomist Wilhelm Krause who first described them in the 19th century.

Etymology

The term "bulboid" is derived from the Latin word "bulbus" meaning "bulb", and the Greek word "eidos" meaning "form" or "shape". The term "corpuscle" comes from the Latin "corpusculum" meaning "small body". The term "Krause end bulb" is named after Wilhelm Krause, a German anatomist who first described these structures.

Structure and Function

Bulboid corpuscles are encapsulated unmyelinated nerve endings, which are nerve endings that lack a myelin sheath. They are found in the skin and mucous membranes and are believed to function as mechanoreceptors that respond to changes in pressure and vibration. They are particularly sensitive to thermal changes and may play a role in the detection of cold temperatures.

Clinical Significance

Changes in the function or number of bulboid corpuscles may be associated with certain medical conditions. For example, a decrease in the number of these corpuscles may be seen in neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves. Additionally, an increase in the number of these corpuscles may be associated with conditions that cause inflammation or irritation of the skin or mucous membranes.

Related Terms

• Mechanoreceptor: A type of sensory receptor that responds to mechanical pressure or distortion.
• Unmyelinated nerve endings: Nerve endings that lack a myelin sheath, a protective covering that helps to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses.
• Neuropathy: A condition that affects the nerves, causing symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.

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  Bulboid corpuscle