3. Somatosensory Systems

Question 1

Define Transduction

Answer 1

Process of converting something

Question 2

Define Sensory Modality

Answer 2

an aspect of a stimulus or what is perceived after a stimulus

Question 3

Define Rate coding

Answer 3

measuring the number of spikes that occur during a set period of time

Question 4

Define Somatotopic organization

Answer 4

The localization of function for different body parts to separate regions of the cerebral cortex or brain area

Question 5

Define proprioception

Answer 5

ability to sense the position of your body in space, as well as its movements.

Question 6

Define Nociception

Answer 6

the process by which information about actual tissue damage is relayed to the brain

Question 7

Define Analgesia

Answer 7

-Lack of perception of pain from what would be a normally nociceptive stimuli

Question 8

Define Anesthesia

Answer 8

Loss of all sensation

Question 9

Describe the modalities of sensation conveyed by the dorsal column/ medial lemniscal system, and the types of sensory receptors and fibers involved.

Answer 9

-They mediate fine touch and proprioception.
-Cutaneous and subcutaneous mechanoreceptors, muscle and skeletal mechanoreceptors
- A alpha and A beta large diameter myelinated fibers

Question 10

Describe spinothalamic system, the type of sensory information conveyed by this pathway, and the types of sensory receptors and fibers involved.

Answer 10

-transmits pain and temperature information
-Thermal receptors and Nociceptors
-A delta small diameter myelinated fibers and C fibers small diameter unmyelinated.

Question 11

List 4 endogenous systems that can regulate the pain system

Answer 11

-Sensory Modulation
-Brain monoaminergic systems
-Endogenous Opioid System
-Endogenous Cannabinoid System

Question 12

Briefly describe the mechanisms of action of Sensory modulation

Answer 12

-Inhibition of the 2nd order neuron in the spinothalamic tract which reduces nociceptive signal going up to the brain

Question 13

Briefly describe the mechanisms of action of Brain monoaminergic systems

Answer 13

• Releases serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine that help reduce the perception of pain

Question 13

Briefly describe the Endogenous Opioid System

Answer 13

Releases Endorphins and enkephalins to interact with endogenous opioid receptors

Question 14

Briefly describe the Endogenous Cannabinoid System

Answer 14

Releases Endogenous cannabinoid transmitters and multiple receptor types

Question 15

Briefly describe how prolonged pain can induce chronic pain. What can be done to reduce the likelihood of a ‘chronic pain state’ being produced

Answer 15

This happens when a pain occurs over a prolonged period of time and you body adapts to the pain. Preventable by treating it early rather than enduring it