Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator (TAPS)
Published on: June 3, 2009
The frequency selectivity of information-processing channels in the tactile sensory system
G A Gescheider1, S J Bolanowski, K R Hardick
1Hamilton College, Department of Psychology, Clinton, NY 13323, USA. ggeschei@hamilton.edu
Abstract:
The frequency selectivity of the P, NP I, and NP II channels of the four-channel model of mechanoreception for glabrous skin was measured psychophysically by an adaptation tuning curve procedure. The results substantially extend the frequency range over which the frequency selectivity of these channels is known and further confirm the hypothesis that the input stage of each of these channels consists of specific sensory nerve fibers and associated receptors. Specifically, the frequency characteristics of Pacinian nerve fibers, rapidly adapting (RA) nerve fibers, and slowly adapting Type II (SA II) nerve fibers were found to be the peripheral neurophysiological correlates of the P, NP I, and NP II channels, respectively. The finding that the tuning characteristic for a test stimulus of 250 Hz delivered through a small (0.008 cm2) contactor depended dramatically on the duration of the test stimulus whereas the detection threshold did not, provides new evidence in support of the hypothesis that separate NP II and P channels exist.
Related Concept Videos
What is a Sensory System?
Somatosensation
Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
Introduction to Special Senses
Design Example
Tactile and Chemical Senses

