EFFECT OF SKIN TEMPERATURE ON THE ABSOLUTE THRESHOLD FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT,
Abstract
The effect was investigated of raising skin temperature on the absolute threshold for alternating current. Raising skin temperature of the finger or forearm to as much as 45C had no effect on the threshold for electrical cutaneous stimulation. The variation of pressure and mechanical vibration thresholds with skin temperature is a peripheral rather than central effect. Electrical current applied to the skin affects nerves directly without requiring transduction by a chemical (or other) process at the receptor. Cutaneous stimulation for signaling purposes should utilize electrical current rather than mechanical vibration inasmuch as sensitivity for the latter is markedly affected by skin temperature variations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 28, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0806456
Entities
People
- G. R. Hawkes
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Laboratory