14.4 - Receptors

Question 1

What is a Pacinian Corpuscle?

Answer 1

receptor that responds to mechanical pressure

Question 2

Features of the pacinian corpuscle

Answer 2

specific to a single type of stimulus - only to mechanical pressure
produces a generator potential by acting as a transducer - can change form of energy from the stimulus to form that the body can recognise (e.g. nerve impulse)

Question 3

Where are pacinian corpuscle most frequently located?

Answer 3

Fingertips, soles of feet and in joints, tendons and ligaments

Question 4

What is the structure of a pacinian corpuscle?

Answer 4

centre of layers of tissue, separated by a gel, giving appearance of an onion

Question 5

How does the structure transduce mechanical energy of a stimulus into a generator potential?

Answer 5

sensory neurone ending in the centre of the PC has a special type of sodium channel in its plasma membrane = STRETCH MEDIATED SODIUM CHANNELS

Question 6

Why are the sodium channels of the PC called stretch-mediated?

Answer 6

permeability to sodium changes when they are deformed, e.g. by stretching