A 34-year-old woman is undergoing a research study examining…
Questions
A 34-yeаr-оld wоmаn is undergоing а research study examining somatosensory receptor physiology. A investigator applies a sustained, constant-pressure indentation to the skin of her fingertip and records the firing rate from a single afferent nerve fiber innervating a specific mechanoreceptor. The recording shows that the receptor continues to fire action potentials at a relatively constant rate for as long as the stimulus is applied, with minimal decrease in firing frequency over time. This receptor has small, well-defined receptive fields and is located superficially in the epidermis. Which of the following receptors is most consistent with the findings described?