Pacinian corpuscles and auditory hair cells are examples of which type of sensory receptor?

Pacinian corpuscles and auditory hair cells are classified as mechanoreceptors because they respond to mechanical stimuli. Pacinian corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, primarily responsible for detecting pressure and vibration. They have a layered structure that enables them to respond to rapid changes in pressure.

Auditory hair cells, found in the cochlea of the inner ear, also function as mechanoreceptors. They convert sound wave vibrations into electrical signals. When sound waves travel through the fluid in the cochlea, they cause hair cells to bend, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that communicate with auditory neurons.

Both types of receptors play crucial roles in the perception of physical stimuli, with mechanoreceptors being essential for senses such as touch and hearing. This shared function highlights their classification as mechanoreceptors, which is the correct answer for this question.