Yes, touch is widely considered to be the first sense to develop in humans. Development begins remarkably early, around 8 weeks gestation, with the fetus responding to touch on the lips and cheeks. By 14 weeks, responses to touch extend to other body parts.
The Primacy of Touch
Multiple sources confirm the early development of touch:
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Developmental Timeline: Touch's development precedes other senses, laying the foundation for later sensory experiences. This early development provides the crucial sensory "scaffold" on which a sense of self and body awareness is built. (References: The Development of Tactile Perception, Womb with a view: Sensory development in utero, The first sense a baby develops: Touch )
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Biological Mechanisms: Touch is mediated by specialized neurons in the skin, transmitting tactile information to the brain. (References: Touch is thought to be the first sense that humans develop, Exploring Our Sense of Touch from Every Angle )
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Functional Significance: Touch plays a vital role in fetal development and infant bonding, suggesting its primary importance amongst the senses. (Reference: Touch - the first sense developed, and perhaps the very last to go )
While other senses like smell and hearing also develop in utero, touch consistently emerges as the first fully functional sensory system. This early development provides the groundwork for later sensory integration and overall development.
