Book 10, Question 85
Why Is Touch Not Just One Sense?
Touch is not just one sense, because your skin has different sensors for different feelings. Some feel pressure, some feel vibration, and some feel stretch. Others sense temperature and pain, so one little patch of skin does many jobs.
More fun facts
- Your skin, organs, bones and muscles are full of receptor cells for different kinds of touch.
- Some touch receptors respond to pressure, others to heat, cold, pain or certain chemicals.
- Each receptor connects to a sensory neuron that carries the message to your brain.
- Your brain sorts the signals to tell whether you just petted a cat or a cactus.
- Special nerve fibers respond to gentle touch like a caress or a friendly pat.
- Sensors called Pacinian receptors detect vibrations.
Sources: Science News Explores, Scientific American, Scientific American
Questions kids ask
Why does a hug feel nice?
Special nerve fibers are tuned to gentle, comfortable touch like a caring pat.