General anatomy and histology: Ruffini ending: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · General anatomy and histology: Ruffini ending

Sample item

Which slowly adapting, encapsulated, spindle-shaped receptor of the deep dermis and joint capsule signals sustained skin stretch?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ruffini ending

Ruffini endings are slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in the deep dermis and joint capsules. They respond to sustained stretch of the skin and contribute to proprioception of finger position.

Option by option

  • A. Free nerve ending

    This unencapsulated ending mainly mediates pain and temperature rather than stretch.

  • B. Meissner corpuscle

    This lies in the dermal papillae and rapidly adapts to light touch.

  • C. Ruffini ending (correct)

    Correct. This slowly adapting spindle-shaped receptor detects sustained stretch.

  • D. Pacinian corpuscle

    This onion-like receptor rapidly adapts and detects vibration and deep pressure.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is C, Ruffini ending. Ruffini endings are slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in the deep dermis and joint capsules.

Why is "Free nerve ending" not the answer?

This unencapsulated ending mainly mediates pain and temperature rather than stretch.

Why is "Meissner corpuscle" not the answer?

This lies in the dermal papillae and rapidly adapts to light touch.

Why is "Pacinian corpuscle" not the answer?

This onion-like receptor rapidly adapts and detects vibration and deep pressure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General anatomy and histology: Ruffini ending in Anatomy. They respond to sustained stretch of the skin and contribute to proprioception of finger position.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study General anatomy and histology: Ruffini ending?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.