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What role do Ruffini endings play in sensing touch pressure?
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Mechanoreception
In human skin, specialized nerve endings known as Meissner's corpuscles (or tactile corpuscles) are sensitive to touch. They are one of several different types of mechanoreceptors found in human skin.
Ruffini endings are specialized mechanoreceptors found in human skin that play a key role in sensing touch pressure.1
These receptors are classified as "slowly adapting" mechanoreceptors, meaning they are capable of sustained firing in response to stimuli, which allows them to monitor prolonged pressure sensations. Along with Merkel endings, Ruffini endings are specifically identified as the primary receptors responsible for detecting touch pressure, distinguishing them from other receptors that respond to superficial light touch or rapid vibrations.21