Quick Facts
Peritrichial receptors are free nerve endings that end at the hair follicle. They are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors that respond to hair movements (Standring, 2016).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure/Morphology
The nerve plexus of the hair follicle, or peritrichial receptors, is formed by a group of free nerve endings that terminate at the hair follicle. They are myelinated fibers that branch deep in the reticular layer of the dermis and are fast responding mechanoreceptors. The number and size of the branches of nerves contributing to the hair root is related to the size of the follicle they innervate (Standring, 2016).
Function
Root hair nerve plexuses respond to the movement of hair when it becomes deformed, i.e., bending and pulling of the hair. These fibers essentially give the hair a sensory role in the body.
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series: Elsevier Limited.
