1. SKIN SENSES

2. Skin senses Skin is our largest sense organ
We have skin receptors for PRESSURE, PAIN, AND TEMPERATURE

3. Responding to stimulus
The brain draws on multiple sources of information in responding to TACTILE stimulation
It’s not just what you feel, it’s what you expect or anticipate also
Example: you can step on a pebble on purpose and it won’t hurt much, but if you step on one accidentally, it hurts more

4. Receptors The face and fingertips are the most sensitive areas
Skin receptors also undergo sensory adaptation: you get used to cold water in a swimming pool; you don’t notice an IV needle after a while

5. PAIN Pain is a warning signal—we need it
People vary in pain tolerance and thresholds

6. Pain tolerance theories
GATE CONTROL THEORY: suggests that a neurological gate in the spinal cord controls pain impulses to the brain. If the gate is open, we feel more pain
Large nerve fibers close the gate, small ones open it up. Larger fibers = high pain tolerance

7. BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL THEORY
Biological, psychological, and social variables interact in the perception of pain
Biology: underlying injury or disease, nervous system pathways
Psychology: Beliefs about pain, motivation
Social: personality, believing you can overcome pain, positive thinking