Hair Follicle Receptor: Touch Sensor at the Hair Root

The hair follicle receptor (also hair root plexus or trichoepithelial receptor) is a mechanoreceptor wrapping the base of the hair follicle.

Function

• Detects hair shaft displacement (touch, air movement, light pressure).
• Signals via Aβ fibers to the CNS.
• Contributes to fine tactile discrimination and protective reflexes.

Part of the cutaneous sensory apparatus alongside Merkel cells, Meissner's corpuscles, Ruffini endings, and Pacinian corpuscles.