The large onion-shaped receptors that are found deep in the dermis and in subcutaneous tissue and that respond to deep pressure are
a. Epithelial tactile complexes
b. Lamellar corpuscles
c. Free nerve endings
d. Muscle spindles

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the location and function of the receptors mentioned. The question asks about receptors found deep in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue that respond to deep pressure.

Step 2: Review the characteristics of each option: a) Epithelial tactile complexes (Merkel cells) are located in the basal layer of the epidermis and respond to light touch, not deep pressure.

Step 3: Lamellar corpuscles (also known as Pacinian corpuscles) are large, onion-shaped receptors located deep in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, and they are specialized to detect deep pressure and vibration.

Step 4: Free nerve endings are simple nerve endings that detect pain and temperature, generally found throughout the skin but not specialized for deep pressure.

Step 5: Muscle spindles are sensory receptors within muscles that detect changes in muscle length, not pressure in the skin.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lamellar Corpuscles

Lamellar corpuscles, also known as Pacinian corpuscles, are large, onion-shaped sensory receptors located deep in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. They are specialized to detect deep pressure and vibration stimuli, making them essential for sensing mechanical changes beneath the skin surface.

Epithelial Tactile Complexes

Epithelial tactile complexes, or Merkel cells, are sensory receptors found in the basal layer of the epidermis. They respond primarily to light touch and texture, providing detailed information about objects in contact with the skin, but are not involved in sensing deep pressure.

Free Nerve Endings and Muscle Spindles

Free nerve endings are unspecialized nerve fibers that detect pain, temperature, and crude touch, while muscle spindles are sensory receptors within muscles that monitor stretch and muscle length. Neither is responsible for detecting deep pressure in the skin.

The large onion-shaped receptors that are found deep in the dermis and in subcutaneous tissue and that respond to deep pressure area. Epithelial tactile complexesb. Lamellar corpusclesc. Free nerve endingsd. Muscle spindles