Which receptors are responsible for detecting pressure in the skin?

Pacinian corpuscles are specialized mechanoreceptors located deep within the dermis and are responsible for detecting pressure and vibration. They are highly sensitive to changes in pressure and can respond to rapid vibrations as well. The structure of Pacinian corpuscles consists of layers of connective tissue that encase a nerve ending, allowing them to adapt quickly to stimuli. This adaptation makes them particularly effective for sensing pressure changes rather than continuous pressure, which is more characteristic of other types of receptors.

While other receptors in the skin, like Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel cells, play important roles in sensing different types of tactile stimuli, they are not primarily associated with the detection of deep pressure. Meissner's corpuscles are more sensitive to light touch and flutter, whereas Merkel cells are responsible for sustained pressure and texture. Free nerve endings are not specialized for pressure detection; they primarily respond to pain, temperature, and crude touch sensations.