Mechanoreceptors of the Interosseous Membrane (IOM) of Leg

Studies differ on which types of receptors are present in the IOM. In rats and cats, the most profuse receptors have been the Pacinian corpuscles. They are usually located at the periosteal connections of the Interosseous Membrane attachments.

Pacinian receptors here seem to be responsible for screening vibrations transmitted from the ground or produced by walking or jumping. They are also probably involved in monitoring vibrations elicited by the irregularities of a ground surface when fingertips are drawn across it and may contribute to the discernment of different surface textures.

Ruffini-like endings are also present innervating fibrous tissues throughout the body, including interosseous membranes, tendon sheaths and tendons, ligaments, joint capsules and muscle fasciae.

Ruffini-like reporting stations have been reported to monitor tensile stress in collagenous bundles. These signals not only respond to the fingertip forces but are also responsive to the flexion of the interphalangeal joints. This probably influences the tension in the receptor-abundant collagenous strands.

Interosseous Membrane of Leg: creating more space between tibia and fibula

Hands-on technique