How does a nerve cell work in the context of a skin itch ?

[victor43]

Hello.

 

I'm not a cellular biologist or have any education in cellular biology but could someone please explain how a nerve cell works in the following context. Say you have an itch then what part of the nerve cell generates the itch ? Please be detail as possible and if possible diagrams would be super. I would like to learn the mechanics of the itch but want the answer to focus on the cell(s) which part of the cell itself that causes the itch (right at the surface of the skin) I am guessing but perhaps near or about the nerve endings.

[CharonY]

AFAIK the precise pathways are actually not known. However, the general model follows that of nociception (keyword to look up). What happens is not that certain parts of the cell react. Rather the sensation is caused by the activity of specialized cells that send signals to the brain, where they are interpreted as itch. The general principle is that e.g. certain chemicals such as histamine bind to receptors sitting on the surface of these neuronal (sensory) cells.

When sufficient binding occurs, ion channels open in the cell, resulting in depolarization of the membrane and eventually the generation of an action potential (another keyword to look up). These are then modulated and eventually transmitted to the brain via afferent nerves to specific areas in the brain, which ultimately interprets the stimulus as itch or pain (both are closely related and, again, to my knowledge the molecular and physiological details are not quite resolved yet).

[victor43]

AFAIK the precise pathways are actually not known. However, the general model follows that of nociception (keyword to look up). What happens is not that certain parts of the cell react. Rather the sensation is caused by the activity of specialized cells that send signals to the brain, where they are interpreted as itch. The general principle is that e.g. certain chemicals such as histamine bind to receptors sitting on the surface of these neuronal (sensory) cells.

When sufficient binding occurs, ion channels open in the cell, resulting in depolarization of the membrane and eventually the generation of an action potential (another keyword to look up). These are then modulated and eventually transmitted to the brain via afferent nerves to specific areas in the brain, which ultimately interprets the stimulus as itch or pain (both are closely related and, again, to my knowledge the molecular and physiological details are not quite resolved yet).

Thanks CharonY. I'll do some looking up on the keywords you have mentioned.

[victor43]

Hello CharonY one more question please can you tell me do the chromosones or nucleolus play a role in the context of an itch ? Do the chromosones produce any complex molecules which triggers the activty of the neuron cells ? Do the chromosones or nucleolus play any role whatsover ?

 

Thanks