Tactile stimulation: Psychophysical studies of receptor function

Abstract

Psychometric functions for the detection of brief tactile pulses were determined at the fingertips and the dorsal forearm. Functions at both lore were shallower than those previously obtained for electrocutaneous pulses. demonstrating the different neural consequences of receptor and afferent nerve stimulation. Detection on the forearm was characterized by steeper slopes of psychometric functions and by lower rates of false alarms than on the fingertips, though absolute sensitivity was better at the latter site. An examination is made of explanations for the differential effects based on receptor type, receptor density, and static tremor. © 1973 Psychonomic Society, Inc.