An electrophysiological analysis of cutaneous mechanoreceptors in a snake

1. 1. A systematic analysis of mechanoreceptors in skin of the snake Pseudechis porthyriacus revealed several response patterns. Some units adapted rapidly to an applied stimulus and others gave a maintained discharge to prolonged stimulation. A few receptors we encountered which had an intermediate adaptation rate. 2. 2. The majority of rapidly adapting receptors had a relatively high mechanical threshold, were insensitive to high-frequency vibrational stimuli and had restricted receptive fields that overlapped extensively. 3. 3. The slowly adapting receptors were of low mechanical threshold making it difficult to map their receptive fields. Their response pattern could be modified by altering skin temperature.