Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
How can you feel the rumble of an approaching train? How about the vibration of your cell phone?
Similar to how vibrations can be heard as sound, they can also be felt with our sense of touch. Specialized mechanosensory neurons in our bodies are tuned to different wavelengths, allowing them to detect these vibrations. Called Pacinian neurons, these unique cells detect high-frequency vibrations acting on your hands and feet, alerting you to certain motions in the environment.
How can you feel the rumble of an approaching train? How about the vibration of your cell phone?
Similar to how vibrations can be heard as sound, they can also be felt with our sense of touch. Specialized mechanosensory neurons in our bodies are tuned to different wavelengths, allowing them to detect these vibrations. Called Pacinian neurons, these unique cells detect high-frequency vibrations acting on your hands and feet, alerting you to certain motions in the environment.
