The Touch Corpuscles of the Plantar Surface of the Big Toe

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Abstract
Meissner''s corpuscles of the plantar surface of the big toe of 30 persons were investigated histologically with respect to age. The number of corpuscles decreases exponentially with increasing age. During the 1st decades of life, the corpuscles exhibit a steady lateral and longitudinal growth. At an advanced age, an atrophy of Meissner''s corpuscules occurs. In spite of considerable individual variations, a distinct dependency on age can be noticed. Certain diseases, particularly disorders resulting in polyneuropathies, may initiate changes in the numbers and the structure of the corpuscles. Possible interrelationships between morphological, neurophysiological and clinical findings are discussed.