Match the sensation with the appropriate receptor type.
A. Mechanoreceptors B. Thermoreceptors C. Nociceptors D. Chemoreceptors E. Photoreceptors Meissner corpuscles Answer: A
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Mechanoreceptors.
Explanation:
Meissner corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors found in the skin, particularly in areas sensitive to light touch, such as the fingertips and lips. These receptors are classified as mechanoreceptors, which are responsible for detecting mechanical stimuli such as pressure, vibration, and touch. Specifically, Meissner corpuscles are sensitive to light touch and low-frequency vibrations. They are adapted to respond quickly to changes in pressure, making them important for detecting subtle movements on the skin’s surface.
Mechanoreceptors are broadly responsible for a variety of tactile sensations, including pressure, texture, and vibration. They work by converting mechanical energy, such as pressure or stretch, into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. The Meissner corpuscles are one of the most sensitive mechanoreceptors and are essential for functions like fine motor control and sensory perception. When the skin is deformed by a touch or vibration, these receptors generate action potentials that are transmitted to the central nervous system for processing.
To differentiate, the other types of receptors are responsible for different sensations:
- B. Thermoreceptors detect changes in temperature, specifically heat and cold.
- C. Nociceptors are pain receptors, responding to harmful stimuli or tissue damage.
- D. Chemoreceptors are responsible for detecting chemical changes, such as in taste and smell.
- E. Photoreceptors are found in the retina of the eye and are sensitive to light, enabling vision.
In summary, Meissner corpuscles belong to the category of mechanoreceptors because they are specialized for sensing mechanical changes like light touch and vibration.