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Merkel cell

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Merkel Cell

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HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.

Merkel, 1875

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Neurogenic cell that occurs in the area of the basal epidermal layers and is difficult to distinguish from Langerhans cells and melanocytes under the light microscope. Typical argyrophilic granulae are found under the electron microscope. Recently it could be shown that the Merkel cell is derived from an epithelial cell line. According to current knowledge, the Merkel cell serves as a mechanoreceptor (Merkel cell-neurite complex). Possibly neurosecretory functions, relationships to the APUD cell system.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

s.a. Merkel cell carcinoma.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Merkel FS (1875) tactile cells and tactile corpuscles in pets and humans. Arch Microscope Anat 11: 636-652
  2. Eispert AC et al (2009) Evidence for distinct populations of human Merkel cells. Histochem Cell Biol 132:83-93

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer