How do tactile receptors mediate the sense of touch?

Tactile receptors mediate the sense of touch by detecting physical pressure or distortion and sending signals to the brain.

Tactile receptors, also known as mechanoreceptors, are a type of sensory neuron located in the skin and other tissues. They are responsible for our ability to perceive touch, pressure, vibration, and even temperature changes. These receptors are activated when they experience physical pressure or distortion. This could be as simple as the feeling of a breeze on your skin, or as complex as the sensation of holding a hot cup of tea.

When these receptors are stimulated, they generate electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted along sensory nerves to the spinal cord, and from there to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as different types of touch sensations. For example, a light touch might be interpreted as a tickle, while a stronger pressure might be felt as a push or a squeeze.

There are several different types of tactile receptors, each of which is specialised to detect a specific type of touch sensation. For instance, Merkel cells are sensitive to light touch and texture, while Pacinian corpuscles respond to deep pressure and vibration. Ruffini endings are sensitive to skin stretch, and Meissner's corpuscles are responsible for detecting light touch and vibration.

The distribution of these receptors varies across the body, which is why some areas are more sensitive to touch than others. For example, the fingertips and lips have a high concentration of tactile receptors, making them particularly sensitive to touch. On the other hand, areas like the back and legs have fewer receptors, and so are less sensitive.

In summary, tactile receptors play a crucial role in our sense of touch. They detect physical pressure or distortion and convert these into electrical signals, which are then sent to the brain for interpretation. The type and distribution of these receptors across the body determine the sensitivity and specificity of our touch sensation.