Merkel’s disks

Definition

Merkel’s disks are specialized nerve endings found in the skin, responsible for detecting light touch and pressure. They play a crucial role in the sense of fine tactile discrimination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Merkel's disks are located in the basal epidermis and hair follicles.
2. They are slow-adapting receptors, meaning they continue to respond to a stimulus over a prolonged period.
3. These receptors are especially dense in areas requiring high tactile acuity such as fingertips and lips.
4. Merkel cells release neurotransmitters that activate associated nerve endings when deformed by mechanical pressure.
5. In somatosensory processing, Merkel's disks contribute to the sensation of texture and shape.

Review Questions

• What type of stimuli do Merkel's disks primarily respond to?
• Where in the body are Merkel's disks most densely located?
• How do Merkel’s disks differ from fast-adapting receptors?

Related terms

Meissner's corpuscles:

Specialized nerve endings that detect light touch and adapt quickly to changes in stimuli.

Pacinian corpuscles:

Deep pressure receptors that detect vibration and rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors.

Ruffini endings:

Slowly adapting mechanoreceptors involved in detecting skin stretch and sustained pressure.