Meissnerkorpusker

Meissnerkorpusker, also known as Meissner’s corpuscles, are specialized mechanoreceptors located in the skin, primarily within the dermal papillae of glabrous skin such as the fingertips, palms, soles, lips, and tongue. They are small, encapsulated nerve endings characterized by a layered, lamellar structure that sits close to the epidermal surface.

Structurally, Meissnerkorpusker consists of stacks of flattened Schwann cell–derived lamellae surrounding a non-myelinated nerve ending. The capsule is formed by connective tissue and a network of supportive cells, which together create a distinct end organ. The associated nerves are typically Aβ afferents, enabling fast conduction of tactile signals.

Functionally, Meissnerkorpusker are rapidly adapting receptors that respond to dynamic, light touch and low-frequency vibrations. They have small receptive fields, allowing high spatial discrimination and processing of texture, edge, and movement across the skin. Their activity contributes to the perception of fine tactile details and to grip modulation during object manipulation.

Distribution and clinical relevance include a high density in areas of high tactile acuity, such as the fingertips and lips, with fewer located in hairy or thicker skin. The density of Meissnerkorpusker can decline with aging or in certain neuropathies, such as diabetes, leading to reduced tactile sensitivity. They are a key component of the somatosensory system’s ability to detect gentle contact and dynamic skin movement.

The structure is named after Georg Meissner, a German anatomist who described these corpuscles in the 19th century.