What type of stimuli do Pacinian corpuscles primarily detect?

Pacinian corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors located deep within the skin and in certain internal organs. They are highly sensitive to specific types of mechanical stimuli, particularly deep pressure and vibration.

When pressure is applied to the skin, the layered structure of the Pacinian corpuscle allows it to respond to rapid changes in pressure, making it particularly adept at detecting vibrations. This specialized function is critical for functions such as perceiving texture and surface characteristics of objects, which involves both deep pressure and rapid mechanical changes.

Their role can be understood in various practical contexts, such as helping someone feel when they are holding a vibrating cell phone or when a heavy object is placed on their hand. Thus, the primary function of Pacinian corpuscles revolves around the detection and response to deep pressure and vibrations, confirming that the answer is indeed correct.