definititions Flashcards
Nociception
Pain and injury perception. Activation of the primary afferent nociceptors with peripheral terminals that responded differently to noxious stimuli.
Sense and transmission of pain
Transduction
Conversion of mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimuli into a neural action potential
Transmission
Movement of pain impulses from the site of transduction to the brain
Neuromodulators
Any active substance produced by neuron’s that enhance or diminish the effects of neurotransmitters
Pain threshold
The point where perception of pain begins to be felt. Subjective phenomenon
Adjunct/adjuvant
A component that potentiate towards the desired immune response to an antigen
Chronic pain
Long-lasting discomfort, with episodic exacerbations. Usually 3 to 6 months
Visceral (deep) somatic pain
Deep aching colicky pain. Throbbing
Neuropathic pain
Abnormal processing of sensory input as a result of injury to the peripheral or central nervous system
Endogenous chemicals
Neurotransmitters that transmit signals across the synapse
Pain tolerance
Maximum level of pain a person is able to tolerate
Opioid
A medication that relieves pain
Acute pain
Sudden onset, usually sharp. Acts as a warning sign to the body
Cutaneous or superficial pain
Confined to one area and described as sharp burning. Highly localized
Referred pain
Reflective pain. Pain is perceived at a location other than the site of painful stimulus
