Mechanoreceptors

Mechanoreceptors are sensory receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion. They are found in various areas of the body, including the skin, bones, muscles, and internal organs. Mechanoreceptors play a crucial role in the sense of touch and proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position in space.

Types of Mechanoreceptors

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

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

• Meissner's corpuscles: These are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors found in the skin. They are responsible for detecting low-frequency vibrations and changes in texture.

• Pacinian corpuscles: These are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors found in the skin, bones, and internal organs. They are responsible for detecting high-frequency vibrations and deep pressure.

• Ruffini endings: These are slow-adapting mechanoreceptors found in the skin, bones, and internal organs. They are responsible for detecting stretch and sustained pressure.

Function

Mechanoreceptors function by converting mechanical stimuli into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. This process, known as transduction, involves the deformation of the mechanoreceptor, which opens ion channels in the cell membrane and leads to the generation of an electrical signal.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in mechanoreceptor function can lead to a variety of clinical conditions. For example, damage to mechanoreceptors in the skin can result in a loss of touch sensation, while damage to mechanoreceptors in the muscles can lead to impaired proprioception. Additionally, some types of chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, may be related to abnormalities in mechanoreceptor function.

See Also

• Nociceptor
• Thermoreceptor
• Photoreceptor cell

References

Mechanoreceptors Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia