Mechanoreceptors: Types and Functions for Sensory Perception

Mechanoreceptors

pressure or stretch

Mechanoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, stretch, vibration, and touch. These receptors are found throughout the body, including the skin, muscles, joints, and inner ear. The information received by mechanoreceptors is transmitted to the brain through the nervous system.

Mechanoreceptors are classified into several types based on their location and function. Some common types of mechanoreceptors include:

1. Pacinian corpuscles – found in the skin, these receptors respond to deep pressure and vibrations.

2. Meissner’s corpuscles – found in the skin, these receptors respond to light touch and texture.

3. Merkel cells – found in the skin, these receptors respond to pressure and texture.

4. Ruffini endings – found in the skin and joints, these receptors respond to stretch and joint rotation.

5. Muscle spindles – found in the muscle tissue, these receptors are responsible for sensing muscle stretch and contraction.

Mechanoreceptors play a vital role in our sensory system as they provide information about our environment that helps us to perceive and interact with our surroundings. Dysfunction or damage to mechanoreceptors can cause sensory deficits such as loss of touch, proprioception, and balance.

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