Which type of skin cell is primarily responsible for the sensation of light touch?

The sensation of light touch is primarily facilitated by Merkel cells. These specialized cells are located in the basal layer of the epidermis and are associated with the nerve endings that communicate tactile information to the nervous system. They play a crucial role in mechanoreception, allowing the skin to detect light touch and provide feedback about texture and shape.

While keratinocytes make up the majority of the epidermis and are involved in forming the protective outer layer of skin, they do not have a direct role in sensing touch. Langerhans cells are part of the immune system and help in detecting pathogens and facilitating immune responses but are not involved in sensation. Fibroblasts, on the other hand, are found in the dermis and are essential for producing collagen and elastin, contributing to the structural integrity of the skin, but they are not responsible for sensory functions.

Thus, it is the unique role of Merkel cells that makes them the primary cells responsible for the sensation of light touch in the skin.