The lamellated corpuscle is a sensory receptor found in the skin of humans and animals. Its spelling reflects its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, "lamellated" is spelled /ləˈmɛleɪtɪd/, with the primary stress on the second syllable, and "corpuscle" is spelled /ˈkɔːrpʌs(ə)l/, with the primary stress on the first syllable. The word "lamellated" means layered, and "corpuscle" refers to a small structure, such as a cell or group of cells. The proper spelling of this word ensures clear communication in the scientific and medical fields.
A lamellated corpuscle, also known as a Pacinian corpuscle, is a specialized type of sensory receptor found in various tissues of the human body. It is primarily found within the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and deep tissues, such as the joints, tendons, and certain internal organs. Lamellated corpuscles play a vital role in the perception of various sensory stimuli, particularly in the detection of vibrations and pressure changes.
The lamellated corpuscle consists of a layered spherical structure, comprising of numerous concentric layers of connective tissue, known as lamellae. These lamellae enclose and protect the core of the corpuscle, which contains the nerve endings. When pressure or vibration is applied to the lamellated corpuscle, the lamellae deform, which stimulates the enclosed nerve endings and generates neural impulses.
The nerve impulses generated by the lamellated corpuscle are then transmitted along sensory nerves to the brain or the spinal cord, where they are interpreted as tactile sensations, such as touch, pressure, or vibrations. This mechanism allows individuals to sense their surrounding environment and perceive physical stimuli. Lamellated corpuscles are highly sensitive and can detect both rapid changes in pressure, such as vibrations, as well as sustained pressure.
Overall, lamellated corpuscles are essential for our ability to perceive touch and pressure sensations, as well as for maintaining our spatial awareness and coordination.
Corpusculum lamellosum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lamellated corpuscle" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term "corpuscle" comes from the Latin word "corpusculum", which means small body. In biology, it is typically used to describe a small structure, such as a cell or an organ.
The word "lamellated" is derived from the Latin word "lamella", meaning thin plate or scale. This term refers to the layers or lamellae that make up the outer covering of the corpuscle.
In modern usage, the lamellated corpuscle is commonly referred to as the Pacinian corpuscle, named after the Italian anatomist Filippo Pacini, who first described it in the 19th century.