Chemesthesis

chemesthesis technical term used in sensory science to describe the sensitivity of the skin and mucus membranes to the chemical stimulation of the nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve. This can lead to irritation, which may be an indication that the stimulus may be harmful. An example of chemesthesis is the painful sensation on the tongue caused by various substances in chile pepper (capsaicin), black pepper (piperine), and mustard (isothiocyanate), which is associated with a piquant taste. The special tingling in the mouth and nose from carbonated drinks is another example. Sensations of warmth and cold, which are also registered in the nerve endings in the mouth, are related to chemesthesis.