Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What skin structure is primarily involved in the sensation of touch?

1. Hair follicles

2. Receptors

3. Keratinocytes

4. Melanocytes

The correct answer is: Receptors

The primary involvement in the sensation of touch relates directly to receptors, specifically the specialized nerve endings located in the skin that are responsible for detecting tactile stimuli. These receptors, such as Meissner's corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles, are embedded in the dermis and can differentiate between various forms of mechanical stimuli, allowing individuals to sense touch, pressure, and vibration. Hair follicles, while they can contribute to the sensation of touch through the sensory fibers that wrap around them, are not the primary structures responsible for this sensation overall. Keratinocytes primarily function as the main structural component of the epidermis and play a crucial role in forming the skin barrier but do not have a direct role in tactile sensation. Melanocytes are responsible for the production of pigment in the skin and are not associated with the sensation of touch. Thus, the focus on receptors highlights their critical role in facilitating the sense of touch, making this the correct choice in the context of the question.