Figure 7. An Explanation for Response Variations across Mechanoreceptor Type Based on Differential Sensitivity to Mechanical Signals at the Whisker Base.

(A) Mechanical input near the vibrissa tip is transduced by the vibrissa, which has an intrinsic curvature. The mechanical signal is decomposed into mechanical components that include bending moment (M_B) and axial force (F_X).

(B) Each mechanoreceptor’s sensitivity will be influenced by its location and the surrounding structure of the follicle complex.