Tactition
Tactition is the
sense of
pressure perception.
In the
skin there are different
receptors responsible for the detection of light against heavy pressure, as well as brief against sustained pressure. There are also distinct receptors that detect pressure in the
visceral organs, such as that caused by a full
stomach, and
endocrinal receptors that cause the feeling of "tension", such as that associated with anxiety or excessive
caffeine consumption.
People who are
blind or have low
vision use a special
white cane to feel obstacles, as well as the curbs when crossing a street, etc.; thus it "lengthens" one arm.
This
definition is the one that differs the most from the
Aristotelian model, as it specifically excludes the perception of
pain and
temperature (classified separately). Even within the limited field of "pressure" there is still disagreement as to how many distinct
senses there actually are. See also
Touch.
