Tactile sensitivity

Principle

The experiment shows that the touch receptors are distributed in the skin in different densities in different parts of the body. The fingertips have the most receptors. The Meissner's tactile corpuscles are receptors for touch sensations. They are located in the dermis and consist of transversely layered sensory cells with helical nerve fibers. The Pacinian corpuscles respond to pressure, stretching, vibration and shock. If pressure is sustained, they shut down. They are composed of layered lamellae with fluid-filled spaces between them. The intraepithelial nevus terminals are sensitive nerve fibers that elicit sensations of heat, cold, touch, and pain.