Which type of cell is responsible for sensing deep pressure and texture in the skin?

The type of cell responsible for sensing deep pressure and texture in the skin is indeed the Ruffini endings. Merkel cells are associated with light touch and texture detection rather than deep pressure. They are mechanoreceptors located in the basal epidermis that respond to tactile stimuli.

Ruffini endings, on the other hand, are specialized nerve endings found in the dermis and are crucial for detecting sustained pressure and skin stretch. They play a key role in the perception of deep pressure and the texture of objects in contact with the skin, which makes them particularly important in the context of spatial awareness and grip control.

Keratinocytes, which form the primary cell type in the epidermis, are not sensory receptors but rather serve protective roles, forming the skin's barrier against environmental damage. Langerhans cells are immune cells involved in detecting pathogens, not in sensing mechanical stimuli. This delineation of function helps clarify why Ruffini endings are the correct choice for sensing deep pressure and texture.