College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is the main role of Merkel cells in the skin?

1. Transmitting pain signals

2. Recording low-frequency vibrations

3. Contributing to the sense of touch

4. Providing insulation to nerve endings

The correct answer is: Contributing to the sense of touch

The main role of Merkel cells in the skin is to contribute to the sense of touch. These specialized cells are located in the basal layer of the epidermis and are known to be mechanoreceptors. They are particularly sensitive to light touch and texture, making them crucial for our ability to perceive tactile stimuli. When pressure is applied to the skin, Merkel cells respond and trigger signals that are sent to the nervous system, allowing the brain to interpret the sensation of touch. In contrast, the other options represent functions that are attributed to different types of cells or mechanisms within the skin or nervous system. For instance, transmitting pain signals is primarily the function of nociceptors, while recording low-frequency vibrations involves a different set of mechanoreceptors called Pacinian corpuscles. Providing insulation to nerve endings is related to the role of Schwann cells and myelin sheaths, which help in the conduction of nerve impulses. Understanding the specific roles of various cells helps clarify why Merkel cells are unique in their function related to touch perception.