[amit]

What is the difference between them? can the be distinguish in skin punch biopsy?
thanks

[mrsD]

This is a question for Glenn... He usually signs on in the mornings.

[cyclelops]

Maybe this will help. It is Wikipedia which admitedly isn't scientific, but, it seems to explain things pretty well without too much techno speak.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_fibers

[amit]

Originally Posted by cyclelops

Maybe this will help. It is Wikipedia which admitedly isn't scientific, but, it seems to explain things pretty well without too much techno speak.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_fibers

I asked after trying to understand what is written in wikipedia. I'm looking for explanation regarding skin biopsy, PN symptoms etc. Any how thanks for the link.

[glenntaj]

The Washington University at St. Louis' neuromuscular website has a nice chart of types of nerve fibers:

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/nother/axon.htm

All of the C-fibers are unmyelinated; they are often referred to as "free" nerve endings, and they sense many different types of pain and temperature fluctuations. These are usually the ones examined in a skin biopsy. There are a few slighly thicker, "lightly" myelinated fibers that contribute to the sense of cooling and to sharp pain, but most of the pain/temperature loop goes through the C fibers.