Which of the following cells acts as sensory receptors for light touch in the skin?

Merkel cells are specialized cells in the skin that function as sensory receptors for light touch. They are located in the stratum basale, the deepest layer of the epidermis, and are closely associated with nerve endings. When the skin is stimulated by light touch, Merkel cells respond by releasing neurotransmitters that signal the adjacent sensory neurons, allowing the brain to perceive the sensation.

Their structure enables them to detect fine details and textures, making them particularly important for tasks requiring tactile discrimination. This specificity in function is what distinguishes Merkel cells as key components in the somatosensory system related to touch.

Ruffini endings are involved in detecting skin stretch and sustained pressure, but they are not primarily responsible for light touch. Langerhans cells play a role in immune responses within the skin and do not function as touch receptors. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, and have no sensory function related to touch.