The main difference between Pacinian and Meissner’s corpuscle is that Pacinian corpuscles detect transient pressure and high-frequency vibrations, whereas Meissner’s corpuscle responds to touch and low-frequency vibrations.
Pacinian and Meissner’s corpuscle are two primary tactile mechanoreceptors in human skin. The other two are Merkel’s disks and Ruffini endings.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Pacinian Corpuscle
– Definition, Facts, Function
2. What is Meissner’s Corpuscle
– Definition, Facts, Function
3. Similarities Between Pacinian and Meissner’s Corpuscle
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Pacinian and Meissner’s Corpuscle
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Meissner’s Corpuscle, Pacinian Corpuscle
What is Pacinian Corpuscle
Pacinian corpuscle is a type of tactile mechanoreceptor that occurs in the deep dermis of glabrous and hairy skin. Structurally, it is similar to Meissner’s corpuscle. Further, it occurs in the bone periosteum, joint capsules, pancreas, and other viscera, breast, and genitals. Additionally, it occurs in fingers, hairy skin, tendons, and abdominal membranes. Function-wise, it is a type of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor. It senses deep transient pressure as well as high-frequency vibration.
Figure 1: Tactile Corpuscle
Furthermore, the Pacinian corpuscle is a type of mechanoreceptor that responds to mechanical pressure caused by physical force. It occurs all around the body. Skin is the key area that contains Pacinian corpuscles. They occur in the hypodermis of the skin. One Pacinian corpuscle occurs within every two to four dermal papillae. However, the size and the density of corpuscles depend on the site of origin. The three primary components of the corpuscle include a connective tissue capsule, elongated Schwan cells, and a central axon. The Schwan cells of the Pacinian corpuscle are flat and occur in a stacked conformation.
What is Meissner’s Corpuscle
Meissner’s corpuscle is another type of tactile mechanoreceptor that occurs in the upper dermis. It projects into the dermis. Primarily, it occurs in the glabrous skin on the fingertips and eyelids. Importantly, it responds to fine touch and pressure. Also, it responds to low-frequency vibration and flutter. Additionally, it is a type of rapidly-adapting receptor. Further, it is a fluid-filled, encapsulated neuron with well-defined borders. Significantly, it occurs more in the palms but occurs more in fingerprints.
Figure 2: Pacinian and Meissner’s Corpuscle
Moreover, other names for Meissner’s corpuscle include Wagner-Meissner or tactile corpuscles. It is an ellipsoid mechanoreceptor that occurs superficially within the dermal papillae. The depth of Meissner’s corpuscles is 150 micrometers. The diameter of the corpuscles is 20 to 40 micrometers. Also, the length of the corpuscles is 80 to 150 micrometers.
Similarities Between Pacinian and Meissner’s Corpuscle
- Pacinian and Meissner’s Corpuscle are two primary tactile mechanoreceptors in human skin.
- They are encapsulated receptors that are rapidly-adapting.
Difference Between Pacinian and Meissner’s Corpuscle
Definition
Pacinian corpuscle refers to an encapsulated sensory nerve ending that acts as a receptor for pressure and vibration. In contrast, Meissner’s corpuscle refers to a cutaneous nerve ending responsible for transmitting the sensations of fine, discriminative touch and vibration.
Type of Sense
Pacinian corpuscles detect transient pressure and high-frequency vibrations, while Meissner’s corpuscle responds to touch and low-frequency vibrations.
Occurrence
Pacinian corpuscle occurs deep in the dermis of both glabrous and hairy skin. Meissner’s corpuscle occurs in the upper dermis, but they project into the epidermis.
Amount
A few Pacinian corpuscles occur in the skin, while more Meissner’s corpuscles occur in the skin.
Conclusion
In brief, Pacinian and Meissner’s corpuscle are two primary tactile mechanoreceptors in the human skin. They are encapsulated receptors. Pacinian corpuscle detects transient pressure and high-frequency vibrations. It occurs deep in the dermis of both glabrous and hairy skin. A few Pacinian corpuscles occur in the skin. In comparison, Meissner’s corpuscle responds to touch and low-frequency vibrations. It occurs in the upper dermis, projecting into the epidermis. More Meissner’s corpuscles occur in the skin. Therefore, the main difference between Pacinian and Meissner’s corpuscle is their sensation.
FAQ
What are mechanoreceptors with examples?
Mechanoreceptors are a type of somatosensory receptor primarily responsible for recognizing different mechanical stimuli. Tactile, proprioceptors, and baroreceptors are the three types of mechanoreceptors. Also, the method of sensation in mechanoreceptors is the physical deformation of the plasma membrane.
What are the four types of mechanoreceptors?
Meissner’s corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Merkel’s disks, and Ruffini’s corpuscles are the four types of mechanoreceptors. They are encapsulated receptors. Also, they provide information about touch, pressure, vibration, and cutaneous tension to the central nervous system.
What are Type 1 and Type 2 mechanoreceptors?
Type 1 and Type 2 mechanoreceptors are the two types of mechanoreceptors. Type 1 mechanoreceptors are slow-adapting, while type 2 mechanoreceptors are rapid-adapting. Also, the type 1 mechanoreceptors respond to prolonged and constant stimuli such as compression, stretch, and rotation.
References:
- (2022f, June 9). 36.3: Somatosensation – somatosensory receptors. Biology LibreTexts.
Image Courtesy:
- “Blausen 0808 Skin TactileCorpuscle” By BruceBlaus – Own Work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Figure 36 02 02” By CNX OpenStax – Own Work (CC-BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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