What type of receptor is responsible for detecting light touch?

Meissner's corpuscles are the specialized receptors responsible for detecting light touch. These receptors are located primarily in the dermal papillae, which are the upper layer of the dermis, especially in areas of thin skin such as the fingertips, palms, soles, and eyelids. They are particularly sensitive to changes in texture and help to discern light touch and vibrations.

Meissner's corpuscles are encapsulated nerve endings, meaning they are surrounded by a connective tissue capsule, which enhances their sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. When light touch is applied, these receptors are activated, sending signals to the central nervous system that the skin is being stimulated. Their role in tactile perception makes them crucial for everyday activities that require fine sensory feedback, such as reading Braille or feeling the texture of fabrics.

The other options, while they are also touch-related receptors, serve different purposes. Pacinian corpuscles, for example, are responsible for detecting deep pressure and high-frequency vibration, whereas free nerve endings are involved in detecting pain and temperature. Merkel cells detect light touch as well, but they are more involved in the perception of sustained pressure and texture, making Meissner's corpuscles the primary receptors for light touch detection.