Three-Dimensional Morphology of Touch Domes in Human Hairy Skin by Correlative Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy

The study examined the three-dimensional structure of human touch domes using light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing that these structures had a slightly thickened epidermis with numerous Merkel cell-neurite complexes at the base. It found that touch domes were often independent of hair follicles, functioning as touch spots rather than being directly associated with hair. The density of Merkel cells was 608±142 per mm², with 60 to 265 cells per dome. The research highlighted the complex sensory role of touch domes, which were innervated by various nerve fibers, including Aβ, Aδ, and C-fibers, suggesting a role beyond simple mechanosensation.