Meissner's corpuscles are activated by which type of stimulation?

Meissner's corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors located predominantly in the papillary dermis of the skin, especially in areas sensitive to light touch, such as the fingertips and lips. They are particularly responsive to low-frequency vibrations and light touch stimuli.

When light touch occurs, Meissner's corpuscles rapidly adapt to the stimulus, allowing them to detect changes in texture and pressure. This characteristic makes them crucial for the perception of fine touch and is why they play a key role in our ability to discern detailed aspects of objects we come into contact with.

In contrast, the other types of stimulation like heavy pressure, stretching, and joint movement are primarily sensed by different types of receptors. For instance, heavy pressure would engage Pacinian corpuscles, while muscle spindle fibers are involved in sensing stretching. Thus, the correct answer pertains specifically to the sensitivity of Meissner's corpuscles to light touch, emphasizing their function in tactile sensation.