Synonym(s)
Merkel Cell
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Merkel, 1875
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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.
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s.a. Merkel cell carcinoma.
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- Merkel FS (1875) tactile cells and tactile corpuscles in pets and humans. Arch Microscope Anat 11: 636-652
- Eispert AC et al (2009) Evidence for distinct populations of human Merkel cells. Histochem Cell Biol 132:83-93
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer