Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
Published on: September 27, 2019
Itchy body: Topographical difference of itch and scratching and C Nerve fibres
Takashi Hashimoto1, Gil Yosipovitch1
1Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Itch, also known as pruritus, is an unpleasant sensation that results in an urge to scratch. We can feel itch at any location where itch occurs from the top of the head to the toes. However, there are topographical differences in itch intensity. Itch is mainly conducted by C nerve fibres from the skin where itch emanates to the central nervous system. However, the abundancy of C fibres does not necessarily lead to higher itch intensity. Interestingly, reduction and/or structural changes in C fibres seem to play a role in itch sensation. In addition, C tactile fibres (CT afferents), which are activated by gentle "affective" touch and seem to be associated with scratching pleasurability and the reward system in the brain, can be involved in itch sensation and topographical differences of itch.
More Related Videos
05:23Demonstrating Hairy and Glabrous Skin Innervation in a 3D Pattern Using Multiple Fluorescent Staining and Tissue Clearing Approaches
Published on: May 20, 2022
04:27Using Facial Electromyography to Assess Facial Muscle Reactions to Experienced and Observed Affective Touch in Humans
Published on: March 15, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Sensory Functions of the Skin
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
Somatosensation
Thermosensation
The Spinal Cord
Major Somatic Sensory Pathways