Cutaneous Sense: An Overview
The human body is equipped with several senses that enable us to interact with our environment. The cutaneous sense is one of these senses, and it is the sense of touch. This sense is essential for survival and is used in a variety of everyday situations. This article will provide an overview of the cutaneous sense, its anatomy, physiology, and clinical applications.
Anatomy
The cutaneous sense is the sense of touch and is enabled by specialized nerve endings called mechanoreceptors. These receptors are located in the skin and respond to mechanical stimulation such as pressure, vibration, and texture. There are four major types of mechanoreceptors: Merkel’s discs, Meissner’s corpuscles, Ruffini endings, and Pacinian corpuscles. Merkel’s discs are sensitive to light touch and pressure, Meissner’s corpuscles are sensitive to vibrations and texture, Ruffini endings are sensitive to temperature and stretch, and Pacinian corpuscles are sensitive to vibrations and pressure.
Physiology
The mechanoreceptors in the skin send signals to the central nervous system, which interprets the signals and produces a response. This response is then sent back to the skin, allowing us to respond to our environment. The speed of this process is dependent on the type of mechanoreceptor. Merkel’s discs, Meissner’s corpuscles, and Ruffini endings respond quickly and are responsible for our sense of fine touch. Pacinian corpuscles respond more slowly and are responsible for our sense of pressure and vibration.
Clinical Applications
The cutaneous sense is essential for survival, as it helps us detect and respond to potential dangers. It is also used for communication and social interaction, as we use touch to convey emotions and feelings. In clinical settings, the cutaneous sense can be used to assess the health of a patient. For example, the cutaneous sense can be used to detect skin temperature, texture, and swelling, which can help diagnose various medical conditions.
Conclusion
The cutaneous sense is an essential sense that enables us to interact with our environment. It is enabled by specialized nerve endings called mechanoreceptors, which send signals to the central nervous system and allow us to respond to our environment. In clinical settings, the cutaneous sense can be used to assess the health of a patient.
References
Bhattacharjee, A., & Bhattacharjee, S. (2015). Textbook of anatomy and physiology. Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.
Lund, S., & McHenry, L. (2013). Cutaneous sensation: Anatomy and physiology. Dermatologic Clinics, 31(2), 217-225.
Vallbo, A., & Johansson, R. (1984). Tactile sensibility in the human hand: Receptive-field characteristics of mechanoreceptive units in glabrous skin. Journal of Physiology, 357(1), 263-284.