Specialized epithelial cells in the stratum basale, which release chemicals that stimulate sensory nerve endings, are called ________.
A) melanocytes
B) Merkel cells
C) Langerhans cells
D) keratinocytes
E) stem cells

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Merkel cells are specialized epithelial cells in the stratum basale of the epidermis that release chemicals which stimulate sensory nerve endings, enabling the detection of tactile stimuli. Melanocytes are responsible for producing pigment in the skin, Langerhans cells are immune cells, and keratinocytes are the most abundant cells in the epidermis that produce the protein keratin. Stem cells are also located in the stratum basale and are responsible for replenishing skin cells as they are shed from the surface.

Specialized Epithelial Cells in the Stratum Basale, Which Release Chemicals