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Tickle.

Samuel T Selden1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Chesapeake 23322, USA. vgreene@whro.net

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|December 31, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Tickle sensations, knismesis and gargalesis, involve distinct pathways. Laughter-associated tickle (gargalesis) is a social behavior, not a reflex, with implications for social bonding and play.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Social Behavior

Background:

  • Tickle sensation is familiar but complex, with two distinct types: knismesis (light, noxious) and gargalesis (heavy, laughter-associated).
  • Previous research often focused on only one type of tickle sensation, neglecting the interplay between them.
  • The neurological and behavioral underpinnings of gargalesis, particularly its social functions, remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the dual nature of tickle sensations, knismesis and gargalesis.
  • To investigate the potential synthesis of touch and itch in gargalesis.
  • To examine the social and behavioral aspects of laughter-associated tickle, distinguishing it from a simple reflex.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on tickle sensation, knismesis, and gargalesis.
  • Analysis of the sensory components and potential neural pathways involved in each tickle type.
  • Examination of the role of tickle in social interactions, including parent-child bonding, peer play, and mating rituals.

Main Results:

  • Tickle sensation comprises two distinct components: knismesis and gargalesis.
  • Gargalesis may involve a unique synthesis of touch and itch, with distinct receptors and pathways from knismesis.
  • Laughter-associated tickle (gargalesis) functions as a social behavior, facilitating bonding, play, and potentially mating rituals, rather than being a mere reflex.

Conclusions:

  • Tickle is not a monolithic sensation but has distinct sensory and functional components (knismesis and gargalesis).
  • Gargalesis serves crucial social functions, highlighting its evolutionary significance in social development and interaction.
  • Understanding ticklishness in specific skin areas may relate to their perceived vulnerability within social dominance-play dynamics.

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