Krause's End Bulbs, also known as Krause's corpuscles or bulbous corpuscles, are specialized sensory receptors found within the skin. They are classified as mechanoreceptors, specifically as encapsulated nerve endings, and play a crucial role in detecting touch and pressure stimuli.
These end bulbs were first described by Wilhelm Krause, a German anatomist, in the late 19th century. They are typically located in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, particularly in areas of high sensitivity such as the fingertips, lips, and genitalia. Krause's End Bulbs are more abundant in hairless regions of the skin.
These sensory receptors consist of a nerve ending that is encapsulated within a connective tissue capsule. The capsule itself is made up of flattened cells that surround and protect the nerve ending. This encapsulation enhances the receptor's sensitivity to mechanical pressure and helps to filter out other sensory stimuli.
When subjected to pressure, such as the touch of an object or a light stroking motion, Krause's End Bulbs send electrical signals through the nerve fibers connected to them. These signals then travel to the brain, where they are interpreted as tactile sensations, contributing to our perception of texture and fine touch discrimination.
Overall, Krause's End Bulbs are an essential component of our somatosensory system, enhancing our ability to detect and interpret tactile stimuli. Their presence in specific areas of the skin ensures our capacity for heightened sensitivity and discrimination in response to touch and pressure.
