Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles, also known as Golgi-type II sensory receptors, are specialized encapsulated nerve endings found within the connective tissue of the skin and joints. They are named after their discoverers, Camillo Golgi and Michele Mazzoni, who first described them in the late 19th century.
These corpuscles are primarily located in the deep layers of the skin, especially in areas with high tactile sensitivity such as the fingertips, palms, and soles. Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles consist of a single nerve fiber that is enveloped by several concentric layers of connective tissue, forming a capsule-like structure.
The main function of Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles is to detect mechanical deformation and pressure changes within the skin and transmit this sensory information to the brain. They are particularly responsive to compression, stretching, and twisting forces applied to the skin. Upon stimulation, the Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles generate action potentials, which are then transmitted to the central nervous system for interpretation.
Compared to other cutaneous mechanoreceptors, such as Meissner's corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles, Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles have a lower threshold for activation and are involved in the detection of higher intensity stimuli. They play a crucial role in various sensory processes, including touch discrimination, proprioception (body position sense), and the perception of texture and pressure.
In summary, Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors located within the skin and joints, responsible for detecting and transmitting information about mechanical deformation and pressure changes to the brain.
