What type of cells are known as touch receptors found in the skin?

Merkel cells are specialized cells located in the skin that function as touch receptors. They are found in the basal layer of the epidermis, often associated with nerve endings. When pressure is applied to the skin, Merkel cells respond by triggering signals to the nervous system, which are interpreted as the sensation of touch. This makes them crucial for tactile perception.

In relation to the other cell types mentioned: keratinocytes are responsible for forming the skin's outer barrier and are not involved in touch sensation; melanocytes produce melanin, which gives skin its color and helps protect against UV radiation, without a role in touch; and fibroblasts are involved in the production of connective tissue and play a role in wound healing, but they are not sensory cells. Therefore, the role of Merkel cells as touch receptors distinctly qualifies them as the correct answer.