How Do You Spell TOUCH CORPUSCLE?

1. A touch corpuscle, also known as Merkel cell, is a specialized sensory receptor found in the skin of vertebrates, including humans. It is classified as a mechanoreceptor, a type of sensory receptor that responds to mechanical pressure or distortion. Touch corpuscles are responsible for the perception of light touch and sensations of pressure on the skin.

   These corpuscles are oval-shaped structures located within the deeper layers of the skin, primarily in the fingertips, palms, and soles of the feet, where tactile sensitivity is heightened. Each touch corpuscle consists of a cluster of cells, including Merkel cells, which are the main receptors, and associated nerve fibers.

   When pressure is applied to the skin, mechanical deformation occurs, prompting the Merkel cells to release neurotransmitters that stimulate nearby nerve fibers. These nerve fibers then transmit signals to the brain through the peripheral nervous system, ultimately resulting in the perception of touch or pressure.

   The sensitivity of touch corpuscles allows for various fine-touch and discriminative sensations, such as detecting textures, shapes, and temperature changes. They contribute to our ability to grasp and manipulate objects, as well as to the experience of pleasant sensations during physical contact or gentle massage.

   Although touch corpuscles are primarily found in areas with high tactile acuity, they are also present in other parts of the body, albeit in smaller numbers. Overall, these specialized receptors play a crucial role in the somatosensory system, enabling us to have a rich and intricate sense of touch.

2. • Corpusculum tactus.

   • Meissner's or Wagner's corpuscle, corpusculum tactus.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TOUCH CORPUSCLE

The term "touch corpuscle" is made up of two components: "touch" and "corpuscle". Here is the etymology of each:

1. Touch: The word "touch" originated from the Old French word "touchier", which means "to touch, to feel, to handle". It can be traced back to the Vulgar Latin word "toccāre", which has the same meaning. The Latin word likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *teuk-, meaning "to hit, touch".

2. Corpuscle: The word "corpuscle" comes from the Latin word "corpusculum", which translates to "little body". The diminutive suffix "-cle" is added to emphasize the small size. "Corpusculum" itself is derived from the Latin word "corpus", meaning "body".