TLDR Cats' hairy skin has different touch receptors connected by myelinated fibers.
The 1968 study by Burgess, Petit, and Warren investigated mechanoreceptors in the hairy skin of cats supplied by myelinated fibers, identifying various types that are crucial for sensory perception of touch. The research enhanced the understanding of mechanoreceptor function and distribution, offering insights into sensory processing in mammals.
660 citations
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December 2011 in “Cell” Different hair follicles in the skin are innervated by unique combinations of mechanosensory neurons, crucial for touch sensation.
28 citations
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March 2011 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Hair follicles help guide nerve growth, improving touch recovery in skin grafts.
6 citations
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September 2021 in “Experimental Brain Research” Rats have different touch receptors in their paws that help with movement and handling objects.
Meis2 is essential for touch sensation and proper nerve connection to touch receptors in certain skin areas of mice.
2 citations
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October 2023 in “Science advances” Touching hair can activate nearby nerve cells through signals from the hair's outer layer.
