Mechanoreceptor

Mechanoreceptor

A Mechanoreceptor is a type of sensory receptor that responds to mechanical pressure or distortion. They are primarily located in the skin, but can also be found in other areas of the body, such as the inner ear and the arterial walls.

Types of Mechanoreceptors

There are four main types of mechanoreceptors, each with a unique structure and function:

• Merkel cells: These are slow-adapting, unmyelinated mechanoreceptors found in the skin and hair follicles. They are responsible for the perception of pressure and texture.

• Meissner's corpuscles: These are rapidly adapting, low-threshold mechanoreceptors found in the skin. They are responsible for the perception of light touch and vibration.

• Pacinian corpuscles: These are rapidly adapting, high-threshold mechanoreceptors found in the skin, as well as in the fascia, joint capsules, and other deep tissues. They are responsible for the perception of deep pressure and high-frequency vibration.

• Ruffini endings: These are slow-adapting mechanoreceptors found in the skin, fascia, and joint capsules. They are responsible for the perception of skin stretch and joint angle change.

Function

Mechanoreceptors function by converting mechanical stimuli into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the central nervous system for processing. This process, known as mechanotransduction, allows us to perceive and respond to our physical environment.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in mechanoreceptor function can lead to a variety of clinical conditions, including allodynia (pain from non-painful stimuli), hyperalgesia (increased pain from painful stimuli), and neuropathy (nerve damage or dysfunction).

See Also

• Nociceptor
• Thermoreceptor
• Photoreceptor cell
• Chemoreceptor

References

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  Skin Tactile Receptors