CORPUSCLES OF PACINI. 



223 



of the glans penis and clitoris (genital corpuscles), in the 

 vicinity of joints (articular corpuscles), and have been found 

 in mucous membranes in other situations, as the lips, mouth, 

 colon. They are enveloped in a delicate fibrous capsule con- 

 taining nucleated endothelioid cells. Within the capsule is a 

 core, of uncertain nature, in which the axis-cylinder of the 

 tributary nerve fibre forms an intricate convolution or divides 

 into branches. 



Corpuscles of Pacini (or Voter) (Fig. 89) : These are oval or 



FIG. 89. 



Pacinian corpuscle from mesentery of cat (Klein). 



ellipsoidal structures, of tactile functions, two or three milli- 

 metres long and half as broad. They occur in the subcuta- 

 neous tissue (especially of the palms and soles), joints, peri- 

 osteum, peritoneum, mesentery (especially near the solar 

 plexus), and other situations; they are located especially 

 along the course of nerves. They consist of the terminal axis- 

 cylinder, surrounded by a cylindrical core, and this again 

 enveloped in a series of numerous concentric lamellae or cap- 

 sules containing lymph. The axis-cylinder pursues a straight 

 course, lying in the long axis of the corpuscle ; sometimes it 



