C-tactile (CT) afferents: evidence of their function from microneurography studies in humans

C-tactile (CT) afferents are low-threshold mechanoreceptors present in the skin of humans and are thought to convey positive and pleasant aspects of touch, due to their optimal firing during gentle, caress-like contact. This review explores their role and function through the evidence produced in microneurography studies, where it is possible to record from single CTs in awake, healthy humans. CTs send a relatively delayed signal to the brain, due to their unmyelinated, slowly conducting axon, and are highly sensitive to small displacements of the skin, especially from dynamic, moving touch. CTs are primarily mechanoreceptors, but show some thermal sensitivity, where neutral touch (at skin temperature similar to 32 degrees C) is optimal, warm touch (similar to 42 degrees C) activates them less, and cool touch (similar to 18 degrees C) produces complex responses.

Automated summary

C-tactile (CT) afferents are low-threshold mechanoreceptors found in human skin, believed to convey positive and pleasant touch sensations through gentle contact. They are highly sensitive to small displacements of the skin and show some thermal sensitivity as well.