Angelo Ruffini

Angelo Ruffini (1864–1929) was an Italian anatomist and histologist known for his discovery of the Ruffini corpuscle, a type of mechanoreceptor found in the skin that is responsible for sensing touch and pressure. His work significantly contributed to the understanding of the sensory mechanisms of the human body.

Biography[edit | edit source]

Angelo Ruffini was born in 1864 in Italy. He pursued his education in medicine and specialized in anatomy and histology. Throughout his career, Ruffini focused on the study of sensory receptors in the skin. In 1898, he published his findings on a specific type of nerve ending, later named the Ruffini corpuscle, which plays a crucial role in the sensory system by detecting stretch, pressure, and warmth in the dermis of the skin and in the joint capsules.

Ruffini Corpuscle[edit | edit source]

The Ruffini corpuscle is a slowly adapting mechanoreceptor that is primarily located in the dermis layer of the skin and in the joint capsules. It is named after Angelo Ruffini, who first described it in the late 19th century. These corpuscles are spindle-shaped and respond to skin stretch and sustained pressure, contributing to the perception of object manipulation and proprioception, which is the sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.

Contributions to Medicine[edit | edit source]

Ruffini's research into sensory receptors expanded the understanding of the tactile sensation and the complex interactions between the nervous system and the skin. His work laid the groundwork for further studies in neurology and physiology, particularly in the field of somatosensory system research. The identification of the Ruffini corpuscle was a significant milestone in the exploration of sensory receptors, highlighting the diversity and specificity of the body's response to external stimuli.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Angelo Ruffini's contributions to anatomy and histology have left a lasting impact on the medical and scientific community. The discovery of the Ruffini corpuscle not only advanced the field of sensory physiology but also provided a foundation for subsequent research into the mechanisms of touch and pressure sensation. Today, Ruffini's work is recognized as a pivotal step in the understanding of human sensory perception.