Merkel disk receptor Definition and Examples

Definition
noun
A single sensory nerve ending characterized by a terminal cuplike, expanded tip that is in contact with the base of a single specialized epithelial cell in the epidermis. It functions by receiving touch, pressure, and texture, and relaying the information to the brain.
Supplement
This nerve ending is a mechanoreceptor found in the skin and mucosa of the vertebrates and in the dermis of birds.
Synonym(s):

Merkel nerve ending
tactile meniscus
meniscus tactus
Merkel’s tactile disk
tactile disk
Merkel cell-neurite complex

See also:

Merkel’s tactile cell

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Merkel disk receptor

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