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

6644 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Give the name and describe the process by which macrophages kill pathogens.


What's the difference between "brain cells" and "neurons"?


How does muscle contraction work?


During the redox reaction in glycolysis, which molecule acts as the oxidising agent?


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