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Distribution of human Pacinian corpuscles in the hand. A cadaver study
B Stark1, T Carlstedt, R G Hallin
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|July 17, 1998
Summary
This study mapped Pacinian corpuscles in cadaver hands, finding they concentrate near nerves and vessels at the metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal phalanx, with the highest density in the fingers.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
Background:
- Pacinian corpuscles are mechanoreceptors crucial for tactile sensation.
- Understanding their distribution is vital for hand surgery and prosthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the subcutaneous distribution and quantity of Pacinian corpuscles in human hands.
- To identify specific anatomical locations with high concentrations of these receptors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ten fresh cadaver hands.
- Detailed mapping of subcutaneous Pacinian corpuscle distribution and number.
Main Results:
- Pacinian corpuscles predominantly cluster near nerves and vessels at metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal phalanges.
- The mean total number per hand was 300 (range: 192-424).
- Fingers contained 44-60%, metacarpophalangeal areas 23-48%, and thenar/hypothenar regions 8-18% of corpuscles.
Conclusions:
- The distribution of Pacinian corpuscles is non-uniform, with significant concentrations in the fingers and around joints.
- Corpuscle size varies with location, being smaller in the distal palmar skin.
- This detailed anatomical data can inform reconstructive surgery and sensory feedback in prosthetics.