Pacinian corpuscle

• Pacinian corpuscle


  • Single nerve fibre surrounded by layers of connective tissue which are separated by viscous gel and contained by a capsule
  • Stretch-mediated Na+ channels on plasma membrane
  • Capillary runs along base layer of tissue
• How Pacinian corpuscle responds to stimulus


  1. Pressure deforms membrane, causing stretch-mediated Na+ ion channels to open

  2. If influx of Na+ raises membrane to threshold potential, a generator potential is produced

  3. Action potential moves along sensory neuron