The Fifth Sense

The fifth sense, often referred to as the sense of touch, encompasses the ability to perceive physical sensations like pressure, temperature, pain, and texture through skin receptors. While traditionally we recognize five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—some argue that the fifth sense also includes proprioception (awareness of body position) and interoception (awareness of internal body states). Touch is essential for human interaction and emotional connection, contributing to our overall experience of the world by allowing us to feel and communicate through physical contact.