SENSATION

Skin forms the largest sensory organ of the body. Nerve receptors located in the skin are sensitive to pain, touch, temperature and pressure. These nerve endings are found throughout the whole organ. However, they are more concentrated in areas such as the fingertips and lips.

Sensory nerve fibres originate in the nerve roots along the spine and supply specific areas of the skin known as dermatomes. Dermatomes are used to transmit sensory function. This network helps a person avoid injury by making them aware of pain, pressure, heat and cold (Vuolo, 2009).

Skin sensation enables the body to protect itself from the environment. The information it provides can be acted upon both at the flex level and consciously (Tortora & Derrickson, 2013).