Question

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the integumentary system and is comprised of four types of cells.

Which of the cell types is associated with fine-touch differentiation necessary for detecting shapes and texture?

A. Fibroblasts.
B. Keratinocytes.
C. Langerhans’ cells.
D. Melanocytes.
E. Merkel cells.

Answer 1

E. Merkel cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Merkel cells are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. These cells are in contact with the flattened process of a sensory neuron. These flat processes are called a tactile disc or Merkel disc. Merkel discs are slowly adapting touch receptors. These receptors are specifically abundant in fingertips, lips and external genitalia. Markel cells and their associated Merkel discs are involved in the detection of touch sensations. They respond to respond to continuous touch such as holding an object in hand for long and help in distinct detection of shapes and texture of various objects.