Touch receptors. Historical artwork of the blood vessels (red) and touch receptors (brown coils) of the skin. These receptors (Pacinian corpuscles), are found in the dermis of the skin, and consist of a sensory nerve ending surrounded by a capsule of 'onion-skin' membrane layers. They are stimulated by pressure changes that deform the membrane, and so are particularly sensitive to vibrations. Nerves (white strands) relay the sensory touch impressions to the brain. The ridges (across centre) forming the skin surface, are the compound papillae (protrusions) of the skin. Artwork from The Family Physician: a Manual of Domestic Medicine (Cassell & Co. Ltd, 1886).