VaterPacinian

The Vater-Pacinian corpuscle, also known as the lamellated corpuscle, is a type of mechanoreceptor found in the skin and other organs. These specialized nerve endings are responsible for detecting deep pressure, vibration, and coarse texture. They are named after the Italian anatomist Filippo Pacini, who first described them in detail in the mid-19th century.

Vater-Pacinian corpuscles are large, onion-like structures that can be up to a millimeter in length. They are composed of a central nerve fiber surrounded by concentric layers of flattened Schwann cells, which are glial cells that form myelin sheaths. This layered structure is crucial for their function in sensing rapid vibrations and pressure changes.

When pressure is applied to the skin, it deforms the Vater-Pacinian corpuscle. This deformation causes changes in the ion permeability of the nerve fiber membrane, leading to the generation of an action potential. The rapid adaptation of these receptors means they respond strongly to the onset and offset of a stimulus but quickly stop firing if the stimulus is maintained. This makes them particularly sensitive to vibrations, such as those felt when using a tool or experiencing an earthquake.

These mechanoreceptors are found in various locations throughout the body, including the dermis of the skin, joint capsules, periosteum, and even the mesentery of internal organs. Their presence in these areas suggests a role in proprioception (sense of body position) and the detection of internal mechanical stimuli.