Pacinian Corupscle

Question 1

What are mechanoreceptors?

Answer 1

They detect mechanical stimuli e.g. pressure and vibrations
Found in the skin

Question 2

Structure of pacinian corpuscle?

Answer 2

Single sensory neurone wrapped in layers of connective tissue (lamellae) separated by gel

Question 3

What does the sensory neurone have within the plasma membrane?

Answer 3

Special channel proteins

Question 4

What do the plasma membranes contain?

Answer 4

Channel proteins which allow ion transportation and the membranes surrounding the sensory neurones have stretch-mediated Na+ channels
These channels will open and allow Na+ to enter the sensory neurone only when they are stretched and deformed

Question 5

Resting state in the Pacinian Corpuscle?

Answer 5

Na+ channels are too narrow for Na+ to diffuse into the sensory neurone- resting potential is maintained

Question 6

What happens when pressure is applied in the Pacinian corpuscle?

Answer 6

Connective tissue presses against neurone membrane
The neurone plasma membrane is deformed
The Na+ channels are stretched and widened so Na+ diffuses in- leads to the establishment of an action potential if -55mV is reached