Function. Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting (phasic) receptors that detect gross pressure changes and vibrations in the skin. Any deformation in the corpuscle causes action potentials to be generated by opening pressure-sensitive sodium ion channels in the axon membrane.

What is the main function of the Pacinian corpuscle?

function in human sensory reception

, Pacinian corpuscles) respond only to mechanical deformation. A Pacinian corpuscle is an onion-shaped structure of nonneural (connective) tissue built up around the nerve ending that reduces the mechanical sensitivity of the nerve terminal itself.

How does the Pacinian corpuscle work a level biology?

The Pacinian corpuscle is a mechanoreceptor, which means it is a sensory receptor that responds to touch, pressure or vibration. Pacinian corpuscles are found deep in the skin, and respond to both pressure and vibration. They are oval shaped, and have layers of lamellae separated by a gel.