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UKMerkel cell
/mˈɜːkəl sˈɛl/
/mˈɜːkəl sˈɛl/Merkel cell
[NOUN]1
a specialized cell found in the skin's epidermis that is involved in the perception of touch and pressure, serving as sensory receptors
What is a "Merkel cell"?
A Merkel cell, also called a tactile epithelial cell, is a specialized receptor cell found in the skin's epidermis. It is involved in the perception of tactile sensations such as pressure and texture. Merkel cells are primarily located in the fingertips, palms, and soles of the feet, where they form connections with nerve endings. They play a crucial role in our ability to sense and respond to the environment through touch, providing valuable information about objects, surfaces, and interactions with the external world.
Examples
1. Finally, rounding out the quartet of epidermal cells, your tactile, or Merkel cells occur deep down at the boundary between the epidermis and the dermis, where they combine with nerve endings to create a sensory receptor for touch.
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