Which type of corpuscle is found in the papillary layer and is sensitive to touch?

Meissner's corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors located in the papillary layer of the dermis, particularly prevalent in areas of the skin that are sensitive to touch, such as the fingertips, palms, and soles of the feet. These corpuscles are encapsulated endings of sensory neurons that respond to light touch and changes in texture.

They play a crucial role in the tactile sense by converting mechanical stimuli—like gentle pressure or movement against the skin—into electrical signals that are interpreted by the nervous system. This ability to detect light touch and vibrations, distinguishing them from other mechanoreceptors like Ruffini endings (which respond to skin stretch) and Pacinian corpuscles (which respond to deep pressure and vibration), highlights the specific function of Meissner's corpuscles in sensory perception. Understanding this specificity is important for recognizing how different sensory systems work in tandem to provide rich tactile feedback as part of the overall sensory experience.