What is the Merkel cell?

Merkel cell is a touch receptor found in the skin. Merkel cells or or Merkel-Obier cells are connected to a light touch, for example, when the object's texture or its shape is determined by the fingers. High concentrations of Merkel cells are found at hand and also in the lips, but are also present in hairy skin areas. Merkel cells sometimes produce a type of cancer known as Merkel cell cancer. Merkel cells are named after Friedrich Sigmund Merkel, a German scientist who discovered them. When the feeling of light touch is detected, the Merkel cell complex acts as what is called the mechanoreceptor. Mechanoreceptors respond to a specific stimulus, in this case touch and react by producing electrical nerve pulses that Travel along the sensory nerves, eventually reaching the brain.

the type of mechanoreceptor consisting of Merkel cell is described as pomaLu adaptation, which means it can take a number of seconds to return to normal after the electrical pulses have been created by a stimulus. This can be useful in practice, for situations where an object is needed, such as a cup, because the brain remains aware of the feeling longer, reducing the risk of the cup. Some other types of mechanoreceptors adapt much faster - in a fraction of a second - with the result that the fingers would have to be moved over the surface of the object to constantly cause a new stimulus to maintain feeling.

Rare type of skin cancer can form from merkel cells known as Merkel cell cancer. Cancer is associated with sunlight exposure and generally appears on the limbs, head or neck like a round, red lump that is solid to the touch and can be confused with harmless skin such as cyst. Cancer changes inside Merkel cells are expected to be associated with viral infection. If the tumor is diagnosed and surgically removed to the beginningThe disease, before cancer cells had time to spread, the view is positive. In cases where cancer has already spread, in addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually used to improve symptoms and increase life expectancy.