The Sense of Touch

The skin  is the largest of all organs. It is also the organ of the fifth sense:  touch.

This animation presents illustrations in cross section of two types of skin:

1. Hairless skin (glabrous skin): this contains a large panel of different sensory receptors and has a thick epidermis. Examples would be the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
2. Hairy skin: this contains different receptors and has a thinner epidermis.  This is the case for the majority of the skin on the body surface.

In this animation, different stimuli can be applied to each type of skin. (Light pressure, Heavy pressure, Light brushing, Stretching). The sensory  receptors brought into play, as well as the nerve impulses produced can be visualized.