Neural basis of cutaneous sensations analyzed by microelectrode measurements from human peripheral nerves—a review

Abstract.— A new approach to neural mechanisms of cutaneous sensations is evaluated. In this approach unit activity is recorded from human peripheral nerves with simultaneous measurements of cutaneous sensations. The method is described and some methodological problems are discussed. Comparison of the data on physiological properties of human and animal cutaneous receptors indicates that no marked differences exist between the receptors in the two species. The data on simultaneous measurements of peripheral neural activity and cutaneous sensations are reviewed. It is indicated that in spite of some limitations, microelectrode measurements from human peripheral nerves give a fruitful starting point for the investigation of the neural basis of cutaneous sensations.