Merkel cells are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. These cells are in contact with the flattened process of a sensory neuron. These flat processes are called a tactile disc or Merkel disc. Merkel discs are slowly adapting touch receptors. These receptors are specifically abundant in fingertips, lips and external genitalia. Markel cells and their associated Merkel discs are involved in the detection of touch sensations. They respond to respond to continuous touch such as holding an object in hand for long and help in distinct detection of shapes and texture of various objects.
<span>Substances can move into and out of cells through the cell membrane. The three main types of movement are diffusion, osmosis and active transport.</span>
