Pacinian corpuscles are sensitive to which stimulus?

• A. Vibration and deep pressure
• B. Light touch
• C. Cold
• D. Pain

Answer: (A)

Pacinian corpuscles are fast-adapting mechanoreceptors designed to detect dynamic, high-frequency mechanical changes. Their onion-like lamellar structure lets them respond strongly to rapid indentations (vibration) while they quickly adapt and stop firing to a sustained push. This makes them ideal for signaling vibratory stimuli and deep pressure rather than steady pressure, light touch, temperature, or pain. By contrast, light touch is primarily mediated by Meissner’s corpuscles (superficial, flutter/low-frequency touch), cold by thermoreceptors for temperature, and pain by nociceptors—modalities Pacinian corpuscles are not specialized for.