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mechanoreceptor

American  
[mek-uh-noh-ri-sep-ter] / ˌmɛk ə noʊ rɪˈsɛp tər /

noun

Anatomy.
  1. any of the sense organs that respond to vibration, stretching, pressure, or other mechanical stimuli.


mechanoreceptor British  
/ ˌmɛkənəʊrɪˈsɛptə /

noun

  1. physiol a sensory receptor, as in the skin, that is sensitive to a mechanical stimulus, such as pressure

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mechanoreceptor

First recorded in 1925–30; mechano- + receptor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A fifth type of mechanoreceptor, Krause end bulbs, are found only in specialized regions.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Named after Angelo Ruffini, the Ruffini ending is a class of slowly adapting mechanoreceptor thought to exist only in the glabrous dermis and subcutaneous tissue of humans.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

For example, there is a specific type of mechanoreceptor, called a baroreceptor, in the walls of the aorta and carotid sinuses that senses the stretch of those organs when blood volume or pressure increases.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The organ of Corti, containing the mechanoreceptor hair cells, is adjacent to the scala tympani, where it sits atop the basilar membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 14.8 Hair Cell The hair cell is a mechanoreceptor with an array of stereocilia emerging from its apical surface.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013