Korpuskeln

Korpuskeln is the German term for corpuscles, a word used in different scientific contexts to denote small, discrete structures. In the history of physics the term referred to the notion that light or matter consists of tiny particles. The corpuscular theory of light, championed by Isaac Newton, held that light is made of minute particles launched by luminous bodies. This view competed with wave theories during the 19th century, and with the development of quantum mechanics the modern understanding describes light and matter as having particle-like and wave-like properties. Today the historical term “corpuscle” is mainly of historical interest; light is described in terms of photons and quantum particles rather than generic corpuscles.

In physiology and anatomy, Korpuskeln designates several sensory receptors named for their characteristic structures. Pacinian corpuscles (Pacinian bodies) are large, onion-shaped receptors located deep in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue and respond to high-frequency vibrations and deep pressure. Meissner’s corpuscles are smaller, reside in the superficial dermis of glabrous skin, and mediate light touch. Ruffini endings (Ruffini corpuscles) are spindle-shaped receptors in the dermis that respond to skin stretch and sustained pressure. Krause end bulbs (Krause corpuscles) are thermoreceptors associated with cold sensation in mucous membranes and some epithelia. The term is sometimes used in historical texts or in reference to these specific receptor types, rather than as a general label.

Overall, Korpuskeln covers both historical particle concepts in physics and a set of specialized sensory receptors in biology, depending on the context. See also corpuscle and corpuscular theory.