Final answer:
Ruffini corpuscles are encapsulated and slowly-adapting mechanoreceptors that detect skin stretch and joint activity. They provide valuable feedback for gripping objects and controlling finger position and movement. Ruffini endings are deeper in the skin and detect warmth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ruffini corpuscles exhibit a faster speed of action potential transmission than free nerve endings because they are encapsulated and slowly-adapting mechanoreceptors that detect skin stretch and joint activity.
Unlike free nerve endings, Ruffini corpuscles provide valuable feedback for gripping objects and controlling finger position and movement, contributing to proprioception and kinesthesia.
Additionally, Ruffini endings are deeper in the skin and detect warmth, while free nerve endings detect cold stimuli before warm stimuli.