My favorite type of cell is the Merkel cell, also known as the “touch cell”. Merkel cells are found in the outer layer of the skin, or the epidermis. Named after Friedrich Merkel, the German anatomist discovered these cells in the late nineteenth century while studying rats, which have large quantities of Merkel cells in their paws (“What is a Merkel Cell?”). Not much is known for certain about these cells to this day, but one thing is for sure: they function as touch receptors by signaling sensations such as pressure to the brain. While Merkel cells are distributed throughout the entire human body, they are more numerous in places where the sensation of touch is more prominent, like the fingers and face (“What is a Merkel Cell?”). These “touch …show more content…
Scientists are still not entirely certain what all of the functions of a Merkel cell are, but it is agreed that they act as sensory touch receptors and respond to signals associated with mechanical stimuli. The process that transmits mechanical signals is slowly adapting, and research shows that Merkel cells are necessary in order for transduction to be successful when such a stimulus is sustained (Halata, Baumann, and Grim 4-9). In humans, Merkel cells perform their function through the secretory granules, which have short polypeptide compounds that act as neurotransmitters called neuropeptides (Moll et al. 251-271). Merkel cells release neurotransmitters in response to calcium ions enter the cell body. Some experts refer to these “touch cells” as neuroendocrine cells because they also produce and release certain hormones, although scientists can’t yet explain the purpose of this function (“What is a Merkel Cell?”). Maricich performed a study in which the transcription factor Atoh1 (expressed by Merkel cells) was deleted in mice, which resulted in a lack of neurophysiologic reactions for the subjects. Since the absent response is typically conducted by Merkel nerve endings, Maricich concluded that these “touch cells” are an essential part of the somatosensory system (Maricich et al. …show more content…
Although it is unclear whether or not MCC actually arises from problems with Merkel cells, the disease is named after a type of skin cell that resembles the infamous “touch cell” that can create a lethal tumor when it reproduces uncontrollably (“What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?”). MCC is sometimes referred to as a neuroendocrine carcinoma, which means that it is a type of cancer that originates in the skin and is a result of the abnormal growth of cells that are involved in the nervous and endocrine systems. The disease is partially caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus, which is pretty common and mostly harmless; it can also be brought on by extreme exposure and/or damage from the sun (“What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?”). In the beginning, Merkel cell carcinoma is exhibited by a small, painless bump on the surface of the skin that expands rapidly over time. I think Merkel cells are extraordinary because they play such an integral role in our sensory system, relaying and helping to translate sensations into our sense of touch. I find it amazing that, even though the Merkel cell was discovered over a century ago, it still presents itself as a great topic of controversy and mystery. There is still so much to discover and learn about this “touch
Somatosensation was defined in the lab manual as the sense of touch. The four types of mechanoreceptors that were discussed in class were the Merkel complexes, Ruffini endings, Meissner’s corpuscle, and the Pacinian corpuscle (Lab Manual). The Merkel complexes were slow adapting mechanoreceptors whose primary function was to discriminate the texture, or pattern of an object (Lab Manual). The Ruffini endings were also slow adapting mechanoreceptors, but their primary function was to differentiate finger position and stable grasps (Lab Manual). The Meissner’s corpuscle was a fast adapting mechanoreceptor whose primary
The body is composed of cells, which form the basic unit of life. Unique cells found in the body are the stem cells. These cells are biological cells that are not specialized for particular functioning in organisms. They can be distinguished since they have the ability to differentiate or divide into multiple body cells, and their ability to replicate self. They are unique in the way they can renew themselves by undergoing cell division when inactive for a long period. It is also possible to induce stem cells to organs or tissue cells under some conditions. When the cells divide, they replenish the cells in a living organism. They serve as an internal system that repairs and replaces the tissues that are worn out.1 Dividing cells may remain as stem cells or become specialized in their functions, for instance red blood cells, brain or muscle cells.
According to Neal Conan from Talk of the Nation there are trillions of cells growing in laboratories now than there ever were in her
Basil Cell Carcinoma begins in the deepest layer of the epidermis of the skin. The epidermis is known as the top layer of the skin. The skin is composed of 3 layers, the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The basal layer which is part of the epidermis, there are cells called melanocytes, which produce a black pigment called melanin. Melanin is what protects your skin from over exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Over exposure of sunlight can reduce the melanin’s ability to absorb the sunlight and damage the skin. (2)
“Cells Involved In Immune Responses and Antigen Recognition.” Microbiology and Immunology. Web. 18 Dec. 2011. .
Melanoma is a very serious type of skin cancer. The cancer starts in skin cells known melanocytes. Even though melanoma primarily affects skin cells, it also can grow in the eyes (uveal melanoma). Melanocytes are made up of melanin, which provides skin color and protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
These cells exist throughout the body after embryonic development, they are found inside different types of tissue (organs) of the body such as the brain, bone marrow, blood, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, skin and the liver. They remain in a non-dividing state for years until activated by a disease or tissue injury. Adult stem cells, which are also called somatic stem cells, these cells can only produce specialized cells for that particular tissue type. Somatic stem cells are used as treatment for blood related diseases such as leukemia. Most types of somatic cells are present in low abundance and are difficult to isolate and grow in culture.
Dendrites are located on either one or both ends of a cell.The peripheral nervous system then takes the sensory information from the outside and sends the messages by virtue of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals through the neural pathways of the spinal cord. The neurotransmitter chemicals are held by tiny membranous sacs located in the synaptic terminals. Synaptic terminals are located at the ends of nerve cells. The release of neurotransmitters from their sacs is stimulated once the electrical nerve impulse has finished travelling along a neuron and reaches the synaptic terminal. Afterward, neurotransmitters travel across synapses thus stimulating the production of an electrical charge that carries the nerve impulse onward. Synapses are junctions between neighboring neurons. This procedure is reiterated until either muscle movement occurs or the brain picks up on a sensory reaction. During this process, messages are being transmitted from one part of the body onto the next. The peripheral and central nervous system are two crucial subdivisions of the nervous system. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous
The neurons or brain cells are shaped like trees. Young brain cells, called soma, resemble an acorn or small seed of a tree. The seed sprouts limbs when stimulated, called dendrites. Further on in development, the cell will grow a trunk like structure called an axon. The axon has an outer shell, like the bark of a tree, called the myelin sheath. Finally, at the base of the cell, there are root-like structures called axon terminal bulbs. Through these bulbs and the dendrite of another cell, cells communicate with each other through electrochemical impulses. These impulses cause the dendrites to
Imagine that you are sixteen. You are overjoyed because you have just received your license and can finally drive whenever and wherever you please. A lot of people have been talking about the new tanning salon that has recently opened up in town. You decide to go and check it out, and discover that tanning is something you really enjoy. Tanning becomes an every-other-day occurrence, but after a year, you notice a mole on your leg that you never noticed before. The mole is cancerous, and it is melanoma. You have cancer, and you are only a teenager.
8. Becker W. M, Hardin J, Kleinsmith L.J an Bertoni G (2010) Becker’s World of the Cell, 8th edition, San Francisco, Pearson Education Inc- Accessed 23/11/2013.
The integumentary system has five main functions. The five main functions of the integumentary system are protection, regulation, sensation, absorption, and secretion. It consists of the hair, nails, skin, sebaceous and sweat glands. The largest organ of the entire body is the skin. The skin consists of three different layers. The epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer, these are the three layers of the skin. There is a layer that is deeper than the skin and contains body fat, that layer is called the hypodermis. Sweat glands are also called sudoriferous glands. One of the functions of the skin is to maintain homeostasis. Synthesis of vitamin D, excretion of urea, excretion of salts and water are a few things that the skin is also capable of. The top layer of the skin is called the epidermis. The epidermis contains five different layers. These layers are the stratum corneum, the stratum lucidum, the stratum spinosum, and the stratum basale. In the epidermis there are four different cell types. The keratinocytes which produce keratin, the merkel cells that are sensitive to touch, the langerhans cells which is a dendritic type off cell, and the melanocytes which produce melanin.
The cell I chose was a “Motor Neuron”. I learned many facts about this cell. This cell has many organelles , functions , and has reasons for its structure.
The neuron plays an important role in the occupation of the brain (Rollin Koscis). A neuron is...
Within the human anatomy, an intricate and complex network of specialised nerve fibres and neurons works in collaboration with the central nervous system and peripheral system, designed to carry out the various actions humans perform every day. The nervous system is also known as the master control unit of the human body, as it operates other major functions such as the circulatory and respiratory systems (Jakab, 2006). It is composed of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The neurons established within the various sections of the nervous system, is structured with three main parts: a dendrite which is a cluster of branches that operates by receiving information from the receptor and neurons and transferring nerve impulses to the cell body; furthermore, a cell body is composed of a nucleus, that works to provide energy and nutrients for the neuron; lastly is an axon, electrically conducted by the myelin sheath, the axon is a pathway nerve impulses pass through from the cell body. In addition, this is the process in which nerve impulses travel by to be able to access the rest of the system (Core Science, 2010). The correct function of the nervous system is vital to the daily survival of an individual, as it obtains a significant role in the control and co-ordination of the human body. Furthermore, if a situation occurs where the nervous system dysfunctions or develops a disease (such as multiple sclerosis), it would in that case threaten the current status of one’s health and cause havoc in the system.