Haptic perception

As the surface sensitivity is defined as the perception of stimuli lying in the skin receptors. These receptors are divided into mechano-, thermo - and pain receptors, can be seen with the aid of pressure, touch, vibration and temperature, and pain. The surface sensitivity is part of the Exterozeption.

The passive perception of mechanical impressions is also called tactile perception (from Latin tangere, touch, ') respectively. It is part of the sense of touch.

Systematic point is the surface sensitivity of a protopathic Share ( temperature and pain - mainly to protect the body and therefore " fast", but especially in the spatial sense undifferentiated) and a epicritic Share ( Tastschärfe, needs a little more time).

Receptors

In humans and other mammals, the tactile perception is made possible by mechanoreceptors in the skin. These include the so-called Merkel cells, Ruffini, Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles whose information through nerve fibers of the class Aβ are directed toward the CNS.

Protopathische sensations (temperature and pain) are based on thermal receptors, and pain receptors. You are mediated by afferents of the class Aδ and especially C free nerve endings.

Disorders

The surface sensitivity can be disturbed due to damage of the nerves, the conduction pathways in the central nervous system or lack of sensory integration. Perception can be increased ( hyperesthesia ) or decreased ( hypoesthesia ), they may be absent ( anesthesia) or it can occur paresthesia (paraesthesia ).

With increased tactile perception is also called tactile defensive. From this hypersensitivity results in a defensive attitude towards the received stimuli. This can apply to human contact, but also to materials ( sand, mud, dust, glue, felt) or surfaces (metal, wood).