What skin structure is primarily responsible for the sensation of touch?

Meissner's corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors located in the dermis layer of the skin, primarily in areas sensitive to light touch, such as the fingertips and the soles of the feet. These structures are designed to detect light touch and changes in texture, making them crucial for the sense of touch. They are encapsulated nerve endings that respond to mechanical stimuli. When pressure is applied to the skin, Meissner's corpuscles activate and send signals to the brain, enabling the perception of touch.

In contrast, hair follicles contain nerve endings that can sense movement but are not primarily responsible for the finer sensations of touch. Pacinian corpuscles, on the other hand, are also involved in sensation but are more responsive to deep pressure and vibration rather than light touch. Adipose tissue serves as a fat storage site and does not play a direct role in sensory perception. Thus, Meissner's corpuscles are key players in the skin's ability to perceive and interpret tactile stimuli.