How do Pacinian corpuscles differ from Meissner corpuscles?

Pacinian corpuscles and Meissner corpuscles are both types of mechanoreceptors found in the skin, but they have distinct roles in sensory perception.

Pacinian corpuscles are specialized for detecting deep pressure and vibration. They are located deeper in the dermis and in some cases in the subcutaneous tissue. Their structure, which resembles an onion, enables them to respond rapidly to changes in pressure, making them highly sensitive to vibrations and deep mechanical stimuli.

On the other hand, Meissner corpuscles are located in the upper part of the dermis and are sensitive to light touch and changes in texture. These corpuscles are responsible for detecting subtle changes in the environment, allowing for fine touch sensation.

By understanding the different functions and locations of these two types of mechanoreceptors, it becomes clear that Meissner corpuscles do respond to light touch, while Pacinian corpuscles specialize in sensing deep pressure. This distinction highlights how different types of sensory receptors are adapted for different aspects of tactile perception in the integumentary system.