When stimulated, how does the Pacinian corpuscle produce a generator potential?

The Pacinican corpuscle is a mechanical pressure receptor around the end of a sensory neurone. When pressure is detected, the receptor is compressed, opening ligand-gated sodium ion channels. This allows sodium ions to enter the neurone, depolarising the membrane towards the threshold potential, at approximately -55mV. If the depolarisation reaches -55mV then an action potential will be intitiated and propagated throughout the neurone.

EJ
Answered by Elinor J. Biology tutor

6750 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the cardiac cycle, including the role that valves and pressure differences play in this process.


Why are some DNA mutations sometimes not dangerous, and which type of mutations are these likely to be?


Describe the process of transcription in detail.


What's the difference between mitosis and meiosis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning