Pacinian corpuscles are large, oval receptors up to a few millimetres long, made of many onion-like layers around a single nerve ending. They lie deep in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, and also near joints, periosteum and some internal organs. They adapt very quickly and are most sensitive to high-frequency vibration, around 200-300 Hz.
| Location | Deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue, especially of the hands and feet; also near joints, periosteum and mesenteries |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | A-beta myelinated sensory fibres of the regional nerves |
| Blood Supply | Small arterioles of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue |
Detect rapid vibration and sudden pressure changes, for example sensing vibrations transmitted through a held tool.
The tuning fork test of vibration sense relies largely on Pacinian corpuscles and the large fibres serving them. Loss of vibration sense at the toes is an early sign of diabetic neuropathy. Rarely, a Pacinian corpuscle in the hand enlarges and causes a painful lump (Pacinian corpuscle hyperplasia).
Reduced detection of a 128 Hz tuning fork at the toes, an early sign of large-fibre peripheral neuropathy such as diabetic neuropathy.
A rare, painful nodule in a finger from enlarged Pacinian corpuscles, sometimes after trauma, which can be excised.
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