Merkel cell 3595282 219715532 2008-06-16T15:30:23Z Fratrep 4541225 Repairing link to disambiguation page - [[Wikipedia:Disambiguation pages with links|You can help!]] '''Merkel cells''' are large oval cells found in the skin of vertebrates. They are associated with the sense of touch and are responsible for the highly malignant skin tumor known as [[Merkel cell carcinoma]]. ==History== They were named after the 19th century German anatomist [[Friedrich Sigmund Merkel]] who was the first to fully describe them in 1872. ==Location== Merkel cells are found in the skin and some parts of the mucosa (stratum germinativum) of all vertebrates. In mammalian skin, they are clear cells found in the [[stratum basale]] of the [[Epidermis (skin)|epidermis]] and measure 10 – 15 µm across. Most often, they are associated with sensory nerve endings, when they are known as [[Merkel nerve endings]]. ==Function== The exact function of Merkel cells is unclear. F.S. Merkel referred to them as ''Tastzellen'' or "touch cells", although their function has been disputed ever since. Merkel cells are sometimes considered [[APUD]] cells because they contain dense core granules, and thus may have a [[neuroendocrine]] function. ==Developmental origin== Merkel cells are derived from cells of the [[neural crest]]. ==See also== * [[Merkel nerve ending]] * [[Merkel cell cancer]] ==External links== * {{MeshNumber|A08.800.550.700.500.425|Merkel+Cells}} {{somatosensory system}} {{sensory system}} {{anatomy-stub}} [[Category:Nervous tissue cells]] [[de:Merkel-Zelle]] [[fr:Cellule de Merkel]]