What is the Difference Between Meissner’s Corpuscles and Pacinian Corpuscles?

Meissner's corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles are two types of rapidly adapting, encapsulated, and structurally similar mechanoreceptors or nerve endings located in the skin. They are responsible for sensing touch and vibrations. The main differences between these two types of corpuscles are:

1. Location: Meissner's corpuscles are found in the upper dermis, projecting into the epidermis, primarily in the glabrous skin on the fingertips and eyelids. Pacinian corpuscles are located deep in the dermis of both glabrous and hairy skin, and they are also found in the bone periosteum, joint capsules, pancreas, and other viscera, breast, and genitals.
2. Function: Meissner's corpuscles respond to touch, low-frequency vibration, and fine touch. Pacinian corpuscles detect deep transient pressure, high-frequency vibration, and fine texture.
3. Size: Pacinian corpuscles are larger and fewer in number compared to Meissner's corpuscles.
4. Adaptation: Pacinian corpuscles adapt more rapidly than Meissner's corpuscles and have a lower response threshold.

In summary, both Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles are involved in sensing touch and vibrations, but they differ in their location, function, size, and adaptation properties.

Comparative Table: Meissner’s Corpuscles vs Pacinian Corpuscles

Meissner's corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles are both types of mechanoreceptors found in the skin, but they have distinct characteristics and functions. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Both Meissner's corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles are encapsulated receptors that provide information to the central nervous system. However, Meissner's corpuscles are adapted for detecting low-frequency vibrations and fine touch, while Pacinian corpuscles are specialized for detecting high-frequency vibrations and transient pressure.