Which mechanoreceptor is primarily associated with fine touch and texture discrimination in glabrous skin?

• A. Pacinian corpuscles
• B. Ruffini endings
• C. Meissner corpuscles
• D. Hair receptors

Answer: (C)

Fine texture and light touch in glabrous skin rely on receptors that provide high spatial resolution and respond to dynamic contact. Meissner corpuscles are located just beneath the epidermis in the dermal papillae of hairless skin (like the fingertips). They are rapidly adapting, with small, precise receptive fields, so they respond strongly to subtle changes as a surface is moved across the skin. This makes them ideal for distinguishing textures and fine features when you glide your fingers over a surface.

Other receptors have different roles: Pacinian corpuscles are deeper and tuned to high-frequency vibrations with large receptive fields, not suited for fine texture detail. Ruffini endings respond to skin stretch and are slower adapting, contributing to shape and movement perception rather than fine texture. Hair receptor fibers act in hairy skin. Thus, for fine touch and texture discrimination in glabrous skin, Meissner corpuscles are the primary mediators.