CT afferent-mediated affective touch: Brain networks and functional hypotheses

Abstract

Investigating the role of C-tactile (CT) afferents in affective touch requires exploration of the subcortical and cortical brain regions which receive information from the CT afferent pathway. This chapter summarizes the major known cortical targets and wider networks associated with CT-mediated touch, particularly the posterior insula and parietal operculum. It concludes with an outline of three hypotheses regarding the possible function of CT afferents. A central feature of each is the idea that C mechanoreceptive afferents contribute to physiological regulation, particularly of the sympathetic nervous system, in a manner which can extend to the social domain.