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The structure and function of cutaneous sensory receptors
1Department of Antomy, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey.
Archives of Histology and Cytology
|March 1, 1988
Summary
This review details the ultrastructure of cutaneous sensory receptors, including free nerve endings, hair follicle receptors, Merkel cells, Pacinian, and Meissner corpuscles, providing insights into their function and specialization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Histology
Background:
- Cutaneous sensory receptors are crucial for tactile perception and environmental interaction.
- Understanding their structural basis is key to deciphering sensory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize ultrastructural characteristics of various cutaneous sensory receptors.
- To clarify the classification and specialization of nerve endings in the skin.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and ultrastructural studies.
- Analysis of axon-terminal relationships with epithelial and connective tissues.
- Examination of specialized structures like corpuscles and associated cells.
Main Results:
- Free nerve endings (FNEs) show minimal specialization, with distinct A delta and C fiber types identified.
- Hair follicles are innervated by lanceolate, Ruffini, and FNEs, with Ruffini terminals resembling Golgi tendon organs.
- Merkel cells, associated with FNEs, function as slowly adapting mechanoreceptors; Pacinian and Meissner corpuscles exhibit unique lamellar structures.
Conclusions:
- The ultrastructure of cutaneous receptors correlates with their specific sensory functions.
- Genital end bulbs are identified as skeins of FNEs.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the function of Merkel cell granules.