Sensory Systems: Touch, Pain, & Temperature

In this section, we will explore the organization of the somatosensory system, which carries and processes the senses of touch, pain and temperature, and itch.

Objectives for this section include:

1. Describe the mechanoreceptors of the skin.
2. Describe the chemoreceptors of the skin.
3. Describe the thermoreceptors of the skin.
4. Summarize the mechanoreceptors of the connective tissues and muscles.
5. Outline the axonal size and myelination (and therefore speed) of each type of mechanoreceptor, chemoreceptor, and thermoreceptor.
6. Compare and contrast the spinal cord processing of each type of receptor for sensation carried on spinal nerves.
7. Compare and contrast the brainstem processing of each type of receptor for sensation carried on the trigeminal nerve.
8. Describe the pathways taken by each type of receptor to the thalamus.
9. Articulate the areas and wiring of the conscious perception of somatosensation by the cerebral cortex.