Somesthesis

Abstract

In this review we focus on the perceptual and psychophysical aspects of somesthesis, although some information on neurophysiological aspects will be included as well; we look primarily at studies that have appeared since 1988. In the section on touch, we cover peripheral sensory mechanisms and several topics related to spatial and temporal pattern perception, specifically measures of spatial sensitivity, texture perception with particular emphasis on perceived roughness, complex spatial-temporal patterns, and the use of touch as a possible channel of communication. Other topics under this section include the effects of attention on processing tactile stimuli, cortical mechanisms, and the effects of aging on sensitivity. We also deal with thermal sensitivity and some aspects of haptics and kinesthesis. In the section on pain, we review work on the gate-control theory, sensory fibers, and higher neural organization. In addition, studies on central neurochemical effects and psychophysics of pain are examined.