Cutaneous Mechanoreceptors of the Hand: Experimental Studies and Their Implications for Clinical Testing of Tactile Sensation

This paper reviews selected research on the neurophysiology of cutaneous mechanoreceptors and their relationship to tactile sensations. Particular emphasis is placed on studies in which neurophysiological results are directly comparable to psychophysical results. These studies provide the strongest evidence for correlating mechanoreceptor function with specific tactile sensations. Furthermore, these studies have implications for how one should administer tactile stimuli in order to selectively stimulate particular groups of mechanoreceptors.