Merkel cell
Contents
Merkel cell – Other Names
Merkel-Ranvier cells
Tactile epithelial cells
What is the function of Merkel cells?
Mechanoreceptors
Essential for light touch sensation
Merkel cells abundant in highly sensitive skin like that of the fingertips in humans
Merkel cells are found in which layer of skin?
Found in the stratum basale
What is ‘Merkel cell-neurite complex’?
Merkel nerve endings – also called a Merkel cell-neurite complex.
When associated with sensory nerve endings, they are known as Merkel nerve endings
What is Merkel cell carcinoma?
Merkel cells may become malignant and form a Merkel cell carcinoma.
Aggressive type of cancer.
Merkel cell carcinoma
Also known as
- Cutaneous APUDoma
- Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin
- Primary small cell carcinoma of the skin
- Trabecular carcinoma of the skin
