Each fingertip contains more than 3,000 touch receptors, not nerves, that contribute to our sense of touch. These receptors are packed closely together just beneath the skin's surface, and each receptor reports events in overlapping fields, approximately one-tenth of an inch across. These receptors are responsible for detecting pressure and other sensations. While they are connected to nerves that transmit signals to the brain, the specific number of nerves themselves within a fingertip is not stated here. The text focuses on the high density of touch receptors.
Here's a summary of what we know about the touch receptors in fingertips:
- High Density: Fingertips are very sensitive due to the high concentration of touch receptors.
- More than 3,000 Receptors: Each fingertip has over 3,000 receptors that are highly sensitive to pressure and other sensations.
- Location: These receptors are located just beneath the surface of the skin.
- Overlapping Fields: Each receptor reports events in overlapping fields, enhancing the precision of tactile perception.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Touch Receptors | More than 3,000 per fingertip |
| Primary Function | Detects pressure and other touch sensations |
| Location | Just under the skin's surface |
| Reporting Area | Overlapping fields, about one-tenth of an inch across each |
While the reference specifies the number of touch receptors, it does not specify how many nerves are in the fingertips. It only mentions that the touch receptors connect to nerves which then transmit signals to the brain.
