Arkansas Esthetician Practice Exam

Pacinian corpuscles are specialized for the sensation of?

1. Deep pressure and pain

2. Light pressure

3. Temperature

4. Wetness

The correct answer is: Deep pressure and pain

Pacinian corpuscles are specialized nerve endings located deep in the skin and other tissues, primarily responsible for detecting deep pressure and vibrations. They are particularly sensitive to changes in pressure and are activated by rapid changes rather than sustained pressure, making them crucial for perceiving sensations that involve deeper levels of touch. Understanding the nature of Pacinian corpuscles helps clarify their role in the sensory system. They respond to mechanical stimuli and play an essential role in the sensation of texture and vibration, contributing to our ability to perceive and interact with our environment effectively. This is why recognizing their function highlights the validity of the chosen answer. The other options focus on sensations that are associated with different types of receptors. Light pressure is detected by different mechanoreceptors, while temperature is sensed by thermoreceptors. Wetness sensation is more complex and involves a combination of temperature and pressure receptors, separate from the function of Pacinian corpuscles.