Advances in Physiology Education, Vol 265, Issue 6 2-S9, Copyright © 1993 by American Physiological Society
A laboratory exercise in somesthesis that is expeditious, inexpensive, and suitable for large classes
J. D. Greenspan
Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse 13210.
A teaching laboratory is described that demonstrates two principles of the
somatosensory system: 1) the "spot-like" nature of skin sensitivity and 2)
tactile acuity. This laboratory has been used for a large medical school
class (140-160 students). One reason for the success of this laboratory is
the ability to provide a sufficient number of stimulating apparatuses. The
two-point discrimination device used to measure tactile acuity can be made
easily and cheaply. In addition, two other demonstrations are described
that are suitable for smaller classes or that students can do on their own.
Although this lab was designed for medical students, the content makes it
suitable for undergraduate or high school students.
