16 Nerve Cell Types Identified in Human Touch

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Researchers identified 16 distinct types of nerve cells involved in human touch and compared them with those in mice and macaques, showing both shared and unique traits. The study reveals unexpected complexities in how nerve cells respond to stimuli, suggesting a sensory system that integrates multiple types of sensations.

Notably, some nerve cells involved in sensing touch also respond to heat and cooling, indicating an intricate pathway for processing pleasant sensations. This work sheds light on the evolutionary differences in nerve signaling, particularly in the speed of pain response in humans.

 

https://neurosciencenews.com/touch-neurons-neuroscience-27974/