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

6757 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between humoral and cell mediated immunity?


What is the cardiac cycle?


How does electrical activity of the heart cause the heart to pump?


During large heart attacks the chordae tendineae can be damaged. Use your knowledge of the heart’s structure and the diagram below to to explain how damage to these structures may lead to backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium.


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