Zeitschrift für Molekulare Histologie und Medizinische Physiologie

Corpuscles Histology

Abstract

Elena Johnson

Meissner corpuscles were first described in 1852 by Professor Georg Meissner and Professor Rudolf Wagner. Wagner-Meissner corpuscles or tactile corpuscles are other names for them. The dermal papillae of glabrous skin contain these unique encapsulated nerve terminals, which transmit delicate touch and low-frequency vibration sensations to the central nervous system (CNS). Meissner corpuscles are vital for somatosensory acuity, especially in the digital extremities and palmar skin, and have clinical implications for peripheral and diabetic neuropathy, as well as age-related dermatological tactile sensibility degradation. Meissner corpuscles are ellipsoid mechanoreceptors located superficially inside the dermal papillae at a depth of roughly 150 micrometres.