Merkel cells
Merkel Cells
Merkel cells (pronunciation: /ˈmɜːrkəl/ cells), also known as tactile cells, are a type of epidermal cell found in the skin of mammals. They are named after the German scientist Friedrich Sigmund Merkel who first described them in 1875.
Etymology
The term "Merkel cell" is derived from the name of the German anatomist Friedrich Sigmund Merkel who first identified these cells. The term "tactile" comes from the Latin word "tactilis", meaning "able to touch", referring to the cell's function in the sense of touch.
Function
Merkel cells are primarily associated with the sense of touch. They are mechanoreceptors, meaning they respond to mechanical pressure or distortion. When the skin is touched, Merkel cells convert the mechanical stimulus into electrical signals that can be processed by the nervous system. This allows the organism to perceive tactile stimuli such as pressure and texture.
Location
Merkel cells are found in the basal layer of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They are also found in hair follicles, where they form a part of the hair follicle sensory system.
Related Terms
- Mechanoreceptor: A sensory receptor that responds to mechanical pressure or distortion.
- Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin.
- Nervous system: The complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body.
- Hair follicle: A part of the skin that grows hair by packing old cells together.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Merkel cells
- Wikipedia's article - Merkel cells
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