Pacinian corpuscle

views updated May 18 2018

Pacinian corpuscle (lamellated corpuscle) Any of the sensory receptors in the subcutaneous layer of the skin that are sensitive to pressure. Each consists of a nerve ending surrounded by an oval capsule made of connective tissue. The receptors are named after Italian anatomist Filipo Pacini (1812–83).

Pacinian corpuscles

views updated May 23 2018

Pacinian corpuscles (pă-sin-iăn) pl. n. sensory receptors for touch in the skin, consisting of sensory nerve endings surrounded by capsules of membrane. They are especially sensitive to changes in pressure and so detect vibration particularly well. [ F. Pacini (1812–83), Italian anatomist]