Onion-like structure

Pacinian corpuscles consist of a central nerve ending surrounded by concentric layers of connective tissue that act as a mechanical filter

Tuned to detect rapid vibrations and deep pressure

Pacinian corpuscles are particularly sensitive to rapid pressure changes and can generate a nerve impulse if strong enough

Sensory transduction

Pacinian corpuscles convert mechanical pressure into an electrical signal through the opening of ion channels in the neuron's membrane

Specialized cells for converting environmental stimuli into electrical signals

Pacinian corpuscles are sensory receptors that play a crucial role in converting various forms of stimuli into electrical signals for the nervous system to interpret

Distribution in the body

Pacinian corpuscles are strategically located in areas of the body that require sensitivity to vibration and pressure, such as the fingertips, soles of the feet, and erogenous zones

Contribution to proprioception

Pacinian corpuscles also contribute to proprioception, the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space, by being located in deeper tissues like joints, pancreas, and around muscles

Mechanical pressure to electrical signal conversion

When pressure is applied, Pacinian corpuscles convert it into an electrical signal through the opening of ion channels in the neuron's membrane

Refractory period

After firing an action potential, Pacinian corpuscles enter a refractory period to prevent overlapping signals and accurately convey sensory information to the nervous system

Role of sodium ions

The influx of sodium ions into the cell during sensory transduction is responsible for depolarization and the initiation of a neural signal