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Glite Dictionary
mechanoreceptor

mechanoreceptor

1 7.8
A cell in the body that senses touch and pressure
  • noun
  • /ˌmɛkənoʊrɪˈsɛptər/
  • Specialized
: mecanorreceptor
  • What he did find is a diverse collection of "mechanoreceptors": nerves that respond to pressure and vibration.

And inside the PDL there are all different kinds of cells, one type called mechanoreceptors.

Examples

  • Birmingham et al. (22) and Feuerbach et al. (23) have shown that orthoses improved the subjects' joint position sense by increasing afferent proprioceptive input via the mechanoreceptors of the skin.

    Academic text (2000)

  • It had been suggested that having big lips allows you to be to house a lot of mechanoreceptors because the surface area is very large.

  • It is known that increased sodium conductance increases the sensitivity of axons and, in many cases, makes the mechanoreceptors sensitive.

    Academic text (2003)

  • You and I know that sticking a needle in someone's skin at most has a localized response from mechanoreceptors and a psychological effect on the patient's brain state.

    Blog text (12)

  • The skin contains numerous mechanoreceptors that help us feel pressure, touch, and vibration.

  • Fish have mechanoreceptors on their bodies that allow them to sense changes in water pressure.

  • When you touch something, the mechanoreceptors in your fingertips send signals to your brain to interpret the sensation.

Synonyms

sensory receptor
vsmechanoreceptor
  • Specialized
1 5.8

A body part that senses touch, light, or sound and sends signals to the brain

focuses specifically on mechanical pressure touch and distortion in the body
proprioceptor
vsmechanoreceptor
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small nerve in muscles and joints that tells the brain where the body is and how it moves

is broader detecting various mechanical pressures touch and body distortion

Surface Forms

mechanoreceptor singular
mechanoreceptors plural

Morphology

mechanoreceptor = receptor (transparent) = mechano + receptor

Formed by the combining form 'mechano-' (mechanical) + 'receptor', so the meaning 'a receptor for mechanical stimuli' is directly derivable.

Etymology

Mechanoreceptor comes from mechano- meaning 'machine' or 'movement' and -receptor meaning 'receiver' or 'one who receives'. So a mechanoreceptor is like a tiny 'machine' or 'receiver' in your skin or body that notices touch and pressure.