What type of sensory receptors are Pascinian corpuscles?

Pascinian corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors primarily responsible for detecting vibration, deep pressure, and changes in pressure. These receptors are located deep within the dermis and are designed to respond to rapid changes in pressure and vibrations. Their structure, which consists of concentric lamellae of connective tissue, allows them to be highly sensitive to high-frequency vibrations.

When there's an application of pressure or a vibration, Pasinian corpuscles become activated and send signals through the sensory neurons to the central nervous system, providing information about the intensity and frequency of the stimulus. This functionality makes them essential for proprioception, which is the body's ability to perceive its own position in space, as well as for detecting deep pressure stimuli.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of Pascinian corpuscles. Temperature detection is primarily the function of thermoreceptors. Fine touch detection involves Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel cells, which are more sensitive to light touch. Pain perception is primarily mediated by nociceptors, which respond to potentially damaging stimuli. Therefore, option B correctly identifies the primary functionalities of Pascinian corpuscles.