Merckel's cells

Merckel's cells are modified epidermal cells located in the stratum basale of skin epithelium. They are most abundant in skin where sensory perception is acute (e.g. skin of the fingertip). They are closely associated with the expanded terminal bulb of afferent myelinated nerve fibers. The combination of the neuron and epidermal cell is called a Merckel's Corpuscle and functions as a mechanoreceptor.