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Related Concept Videos

Sensory Functions of the Skin01:16

Sensory Functions of the Skin

6.3K
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
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...
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Thermosensation01:43

Thermosensation

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Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
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Somatosensation01:33

Somatosensation

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The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
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Nociception01:44

Nociception

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Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
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Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles01:16

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles

3.1K
Hair and hair follicles are integral components of the integumentary system. Hair is a filamentous structure composed mainly of a protein called keratin. It is found on the surface of the skin throughout the body, except for areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
3.1K
Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System01:11

Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System

8.4K
The somatosensory system is the central and peripheral nervous system component that senses and processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and body position or proprioception. The process of sensation takes place at three levels:
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...
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IL-33 signaling in sensory neurons promotes dry skin itch.

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Quantitative Characterization of the Neuropeptide Level Changes in Dorsal Horn and Dorsal Root Ganglia Regions of the Murine Itch Models.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
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Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors

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Peripheral Mechanisms of Itch.

Changxiong J Guo1, Nathaniel S Grabinski1, Qin Liu1

  • 1Center for the Study of Itch & Sensory Disorders, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|November 28, 2021
PubMed
Summary

This review covers how the skin detects itch, focusing on nerve cells and their interactions with immune cells. Understanding these mechanisms is key to addressing chronic itch conditions.

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Last Updated: Oct 11, 2025

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Measuring Changes in Tactile Sensitivity in the Hind Paw of Mice Using an Electronic von Frey Apparatus
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Itch is a common sensation that can severely impact quality of life, similar to pain.
  • Chronic itch presents a significant health challenge, necessitating a deeper understanding of its underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental mechanisms of acute itch detection in the skin.
  • To highlight recent discoveries in the field of itch sensing and signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific publications.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on neuronal and cellular interactions in itch detection.

Main Results:

  • Identification of specific neuronal itch sensing circuitry.
  • Uncovering intricate interactions between skin, immune cells, and neurons in response to irritants.

Conclusions:

  • Advances in understanding itch mechanisms are crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • The interplay between skin, immune, and nervous systems is central to itch perception.