Receptor encoding of moving tactile stimuli in humans. II. The mean response of individual low-threshold mechanoreceptors to motion across the receptive field.

摘要: The mean firing rate evoked in 70 cutaneous, low-threshold mechanoreceptors the human median, radial, and inferior alveolar nerves by stimulus motion across skin was quantitatively studied. Moving stimuli, controlled for velocity, direction, length of traversed, were provided a servo-controlled motor that carried brush receptive field. Each unit studied with stimuli delivered at multiple velocities from 0.5 to 32 cm/sec least two opposing directions. A power function an excellent description MFR-versus-velocity relationship. exponent n interpreted reflect receptor's sensitivity changes multiplicative constant c, predicted response moving 1.0 cm/sec. fast adapting exhibited higher velocity than slowly mechanoreceptors. which units first respond movement also higher. Estimates n, or both differed significantly directions more 70% No direction consistently led parameters values so as suggest "preferred" regional entire population. Neither directional difference nor c could be attributed differences forces applied fields. These findings information about is represented responses population activated tactile stimulus.