pacinian corpuscle
Definition
Noun: A specialized sensory nerve ending, encapsulated in a layered, bulb-like structure, that detects deep pressure and vibration. It is located in the subcutaneous tissue of the skin and is abundant in areas such as the palms, soles, joints, and genitals.
Usage
The term "Pacinian corpuscle" is used in anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience to refer to a specific type of mechanoreceptor responsible for sensing vibration and deep pressure. * The Pacinian corpuscle is a rapidly adapting receptor. * Vibration from a tuning fork is primarily detected by Pacinian corpuscles in the skin.
Examples
- Physiology:
- Anatomy:
- Sensation:
Advanced Usage
- Function in Proprioception: While primarily associated with deep touch, Pacinian corpuscles in joint capsules contribute to the sense of body position and movement (proprioception).
- Adaptation: A key characteristic is its rapid adaptation, meaning it fires nerve impulses mainly at the onset and offset of a stimulus, making it exquisitely sensitive to vibration and changes in pressure.
Variants and Related Words
- Lamellar corpuscle: A synonym for Pacinian corpuscle, describing its layered (lamellated) structure.
- Mechanoreceptor: The general category of sensory receptors to which the Pacinian corpuscle belongs, responding to mechanical pressure or distortion.
- Ruffini ending / corpuscle: Another type of mechanoreceptor that senses skin stretch and is also found in subcutaneous tissue.
- Meissner's corpuscle: A different type of encapsulated touch receptor located more superficially in the skin, sensitive to light touch and low-frequency vibration.
Synonyms
- Lamellar corpuscle
Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)
- Deep pressure sensation: The sensory modality for which the Pacinian corpuscle is the primary receptor.
- Vibration sense: The sensory modality detected by Pacinian corpuscles.
- Subcutaneous tissue: The anatomical layer where these corpuscles are located.
Noun
-
a specialized bulblike nerve ending located in the subcutaneous tissue of the skin; occurs abundantly in the skin of palms and soles and joints and genitals
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