Final answer:
Merkel cells detect light touch and superficial pressure, mainly found in the epidermis and are especially prevalent on the fingertips and lips. These cells, part of the skin's sensory system, connect to nerve endings in the dermis. Langerhans cells, on the other hand, are immune cells in the epidermis that fight pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is A) Merkel cells. Merkel cells are specialized epidermal cells that detect light touch and superficial pressure. They are part of the skin's sensory receptors, also known as mechanoreceptors, and they connect to nerve endings in the dermis. These cells are located in the stratum basale of the epidermis and are highly abundant in sensitive areas such as the fingertips and lips.
In regards to the provided reference information, if bacteria enter a wound, the epidermal cells that would help to rid of the bacteria are C) Langerhans cells. Langerhans cells are part of the immune system and are responsible for detecting and fighting pathogens that enter the skin.
The statement about mechanoreceptors that is true is D) Merkel's disks are abundant on the fingertips and lips. Merkel's disks, a type of mechanoreceptor associated with Merkel cells, are sensitive to fine touch and are indeed most populous in these areas.