The relationship between tactile thresholds and histology in the human finger

Touch detection and two-point discrimination thresholds at three sites on the distal phalanx of the little finger were compared with the histology of the same three sites in amputated fingers. No consistent relationship could be demonstrated between sensitivity to touch and the population density of Meissner corpuscles or other organised endings. However, the findings do not negate the suggestion that Meissner corpuscles may be involved in two-point discrimination.