Finger movement responses of cutaneous mechanoreceptors in the dorsal skin of the human hand

摘要: 1. The movement sensitivity of dorsal skin mechanoreceptors in the human hand was studied by use single afferent recording techniques. 2. Units were classified as slowly (SA) and fast adapting (FA) further characterized thresholds to vertical indentation receptive-field sizes. Whereas SA units evenly distributed within supply area superficial branch radial nerve. FA usually situated near joints. 3. proportion different receptor types (32% SAI, 32% SAII, 28% FAI, 8% FAII; n = 107) compared favorably with previous electrophysiological anatomic data, arguing for minimal sampling bias. majority mechanoreceptive SA, largely due a relative scarcity FAII [Pacinian corpuscles (PC)] units. 4. A large (92%) afferents responded active or finger movements. Responses all unit consistent observed movement-induced deformations their receptive fields. 5. FAI bidirectionally, albeit somewhat higher discharge frequencies flexion, which most cases associated stretch. showed meager responses remote stimuli, typically responding one or, at most, two adjacent 6. simple directional joint movements an increased during flexion reduced extension. Joint that influenced field elicited graded even if field, assessed perpendicular indentations, minute. This finding suggests definition cutaneous fields classical indentations may be inappropriate receptors hairy, nonglabrous skin. 7. interpretation data from these recordings can provide CNS detailed kinematic information, least hand.