Meissners

Meissners is an eponym used in anatomy to refer to two well-known structures named after the German anatomist Georg Meissner: Meissner's corpuscles and Meissner's plexus (the submucosal plexus).

Meissner's corpuscles are tactile receptors located in the dermal papillae of glabrous (hairless) skin, most abundantly in sensitive areas such as the fingertips, palms, lips, and the soles of the feet. They are encapsulated nerve endings consisting of stacks of flattened Schwann cells surrounding nerve fibers. These receptors are rapidly adapting and respond to light touch, pressure, and dynamic, flutter-like stimuli, including low-frequency vibrations. Their activity helps detect shape, texture, and movement across the skin surface.

Meissner's plexus, also known as the submucosal plexus, is a component of the enteric nervous system within the gastrointestinal tract. It lies in the submucosal layer and comprises neurons, glial cells, and supporting tissue. The plexus regulates local mucosal secretions, blood flow, and ion and water transport, and it communicates with the myenteric (Auerbach) plexus to coordinate digestive activities. It receives sensory input from the mucosa and contributes to the modulation of epithelial and vascular function.

The term Meissners thus recognizes two distinct anatomical structures associated with touch perception in the skin and autonomic control in the gut. Both contribute to sensory processing and-regulation in their respective systems.