Merkel disk receptor Definition and Examples

Definition
noun
A single sensory nerve ending characterized by a terminal cuplike, expanded tip that is in contact with the base of a single specialized epithelial cell in the epidermis. It functions by receiving touch, pressure, and texture, and relaying the information to the brain.
Supplement
This nerve ending is a mechanoreceptor found in the skin and mucosa of the vertebrates and in the dermis of birds.
Synonym(s):

Merkel nerve ending
tactile meniscus
meniscus tactus
Merkel’s tactile disk
tactile disk
Merkel cell-neurite complex

See also:

Merkel’s tactile cell

Indicator Species and Endangered Species

Certain species are capable of expressing characteristics indicative of the state of the ecosystem they occupy. They are..

Passive and Active Types of Immunity

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell capable of producing a specific immune response to unique antigens. In thi..

Homeostatic Mechanisms and Cellular Communication

Homeostasis is the relatively stable conditions of the internal environment that result from compensatory regulatory res..

Geological Periods

Geological periods is a study guide that cites the different geological periods on Earth's timeline. Each has a brief ov..

Independent Assortment and Crossing Over

This tutorial describes the independent assortment of chromosomes and crossing over as important events in meiosis. Read..

Human Neurology

Human Neurology deals essentially with the nervous system of humans. It also features the various theories put forward b..

Merkel disk receptor

You will also like...