Receptors of the metacarpophalangeal joints: A histological study in the bonnet monkey and man

The histology of metacarpophalangeal receptors has been studied in bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata) and in one human hand, using gold chloride and silver techniques. Paciniform corpuscles were the most numerous encapsulated receptors found; fewer Ruffini endings were present and these were exclusively in the palmar articular tissues. No Golgi endings were seen. It is suggested that these findings indicate a specialisation of the articular sensory apparatus towards detection of dynamic mechanical changes. Unencapsulated nerve endings were also found. Many of these were in close relation to blood vessels.