touch

Definition

Touch is a somatosensory modality that refers to the ability to feel things. It is one of the five senses, along with sight, hearing, smell, and taste.

Touch is mediated by specialized receptors in the skin, called tactile receptors. These receptors respond to different types of stimuli, such as pressure, temperature, and pain.

The signals from the tactile receptors are sent to the brain, where they are interpreted and give us the ability to feel things. The brain can also use these signals to control our movements, such as when we reach out to touch something.

Touch is an important sense for many reasons. It helps us to explore our environment, to interact with other people, and to maintain our balance and posture. It is also important for our emotional well-being.

How can the word be used?

The doctor touched the patient's forehead to check for fever.

Different forms of the word

Noun:

the act of coming into contact with something.
a feeling or impression produced by something.
a slight or delicate stroke or caress.
a particular aspect or part of something.

Verb:

to come into contact with something.
to feel or examine something with the hands.
to apply pressure to something.
to affect or influence something in a particular way.
to have a particular feeling or impression about something.

Etymology

The word "touch" comes from the Old French word "toucher", which means "to touch".

The first recorded use of the word "touch" in English was in the 13th century.

The word "touch" is a Germanic word, and it is related to the German word "berühren" and the Dutch word "aanraken".

Question

What does touch mean?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Discuss the significance of the sense of touch in human physiology. Describe the types of touch receptors found in the skin and explain how they contribute to our perception of different tactile sensations. Provide an example of how the sense of touch influences our interactions with the environment.

Answer:

The sense of touch, or tactile sensation, plays a crucial role in human physiology by providing information about the external world and aiding our interactions with the environment. Touch receptors, also known as mechanoreceptors, are specialised nerve endings found in the skin and other tissues that respond to various tactile stimuli.

There are different types of touch receptors, including Merkel cells, Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, and Ruffini endings. Merkel cells are responsible for detecting light pressure and texture, while Meissner's corpuscles are attuned to gentle touch and motion. Pacinian corpuscles respond to deep pressure and vibrations, and Ruffini endings detect stretching of the skin.

When we touch an object, these receptors send signals to the brain, allowing us to perceive sensations like pressure, temperature, and texture. For instance, when we run our fingers over a rough surface, such as a piece of sandpaper, Merkel cells and other touch receptors relay the sensation of texture to our brain, helping us identify the surface's characteristics.

The sense of touch also influences our interactions with the environment. It allows us to explore objects, recognise objects without visual cues, and perceive the temperature and pain associated with various stimuli. Touch plays a vital role in safety and coordination, enabling us to navigate our surroundings effectively and respond to potentially harmful situations.

The diversity of touch receptors and their roles in conveying tactile information showcase the intricate nature of human sensory perception and how our sense of touch contributes to our understanding of the world around us.