Which of the following includes receptors called Meissner’s corpuscles that respond to pressure and lower frequency vibrations? a) Smell b) Touch c) Proprioception d) Taste
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b) Touch.
Meissner’s corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors found in the skin, particularly in areas such as the fingertips, palms, and soles of the feet. These receptors are responsible for detecting light touch, pressure, and vibrations, particularly those with lower frequencies. They are most sensitive to stimuli that are gentle or brief in nature, such as the sensation of a light touch or the feeling of something moving across the skin.
Meissner’s corpuscles are a type of mechanoreceptor, which means they respond to mechanical pressure or deformation. These corpuscles are composed of a stack of flattened cells surrounded by connective tissue. When pressure is applied to the skin, the cells are compressed, which sends a signal to the brain, allowing the individual to perceive the sensation of touch.
The primary function of Meissner’s corpuscles is to help the body detect changes in texture and surface features, which is important for activities like reading Braille, detecting small objects, or experiencing subtle vibrations from the environment. They are highly sensitive to low-frequency vibrations, typically in the range of 10 to 50 Hz, which is why they are particularly responsive to certain types of mechanical stimuli.
In the context of sensory systems, other options listed do not involve Meissner’s corpuscles. Smell and taste are related to chemoreceptors, which detect chemicals in the environment. Proprioception, on the other hand, involves receptors that sense the position and movement of the body, not specifically pressure or vibration. Therefore, the correct answer is “Touch,” as it is the sensory system that involves Meissner’s corpuscles.