Medicine & USMLE

Pacinian Corpuscle

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Mechanoreceptors
  1. Pacinian Corpuscle
  2. Meissner Corpuscle
  3. Ruffini Endings
  4. Merkel Disk

Pacinian Corpuscles, also called Lamellar Corpuscles, are one of the four major types of mechanoreceptors found in the skin. Their primary function is the sensing of deep touch/pressure and vibration.

Located in the deep layers of the skin (dermis and hypodermis), as well as deep tissues like joints and ligaments, Pacinian corpuscles have an concentric ring/lamellar structure that resembles the "skin of an onion".

Because they adapt quickly, they require dynamic or changing stimuli, such as sudden disturbances or vibration.

Find this Pacinian Corpuscle mnemonic and more Sensory Receptor mnemonics among Pixorize's visual mnemonics for the USMLE Step 1 and NBME Shelf Exams.