Diversification and Specialization of Touch Receptors in Skin

The document discusses the complexity and specialization of mechanosensitive neurons in the skin, which serve as touch receptors capable of distinguishing various sensory stimuli. It highlights the historical lack of understanding regarding the diversity of sensory specializations and the interactions between cutaneous mechanosensory afferents and skin cells such as keratinocytes, Merkel cells, and Schwann cells in the development and function of tactile receptors. The article focuses on recent advances in the field, particularly those derived from studies of mouse hairy skin, and examines the conserved tactile end organs found in the epidermis and hair follicles.