Discuss pain, pain receptors, and the pathways which conduct pain messages

Question 1

Pain receptors are called

Answer 1

Nociceptors

Question 2

Somatic nociceptors

Answer 2

Detect chemical, heat, or mechanical damage to the skin, skeletal muscles or joint

Question 3

Visceral nociceptors

Answer 3

Detect internal body damage with visceral organs

Question 4

Neuropathic nociceptors

Answer 4

Detect nerve injury pain; phantom pain

Question 5

A fibres

Answer 5

Transmit sharp localised pain to the CNS along A-δ

Question 6

C fibres

Answer 6

They have slow-transmission rate and transmit dull, diffuse, aching pain

Question 7

Anterolateral/Spinothalamic pathway location

Answer 7

Within the anterior and lateral white funiculi of the spinal cord

Question 8

Anterolateral/Spinothalamic tracts

Answer 8

Lateral spinothalamic - pain and temp

Anterior spinothalamic - touch or pressure

Question 9

Nociceptive pain process (4)

Answer 9

1. A and C fibres are activated and release glutamate and substance P.
2. Glutamate and substance P activate second order neurons
3. Axons from second order neurons ascend to the brain via spinothalamic pathway
4. The 3rd order neuron runs from the thalamus towards the primary somatosensory area