Final answer:
The Pacinian corpuscle is found deep in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue and is responsible for sensing heavy pressure and vibration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sensory receptor responsible for sensing heavy pressure and vibration in the deeper layers of the skin is the Pacinian corpuscle. These receptors are encapsulated and located deep within the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. They detect sensations through compression, which stimulates their internal dendrites. The Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors that can sense transient, deep pressure and high-frequency vibrations, but they do not respond to fine touch or prolonged pressure.
In comparison, other mechanoreceptors such as Meissner's corpuscles respond to light touch and low-frequency vibration, while Ruffini endings detect stretching and sustained pressure. The detection and integration of these varying sensory inputs provide a complex and refined sense of touch.