Divergent Pathways

Question 1

What system is slow pain associated with?

Answer 1

Medial nociception system which contains
Spinomesencephalic tract

Spinoreticular tract

Spino-emotional tract

Question 2

How many neurons are in the medial nociceptive system?

Answer 2

Variable amount (not a 3 neuron pathway)

Question 3

How is information not arranged in the medial nociceptive system?

Answer 3

Somatotopically

Question 4

What is the 1st order neuron in the medial nociceptive system?

Answer 4

Unmyelinated C fiber

Question 5

What are the receptors in the medial nociceptive system?

Answer 5

Free nerve endings sensitive to heat, chemical, and mechanical stimulation

Question 6

How is nociceptive information conducted in the Spinomesencephalic tract?

Answer 6

To the superior colliculus and periaqueductal gray

Question 7

What is the superior colliculus in the Spinomesencephalic tract responsible for?

Answer 7

Turning eyes and head toward the source of noxious input

Question 8

How is nociceptive information conducted in the Spinoreticular tract?

Answer 8

To reticular formation

Question 9

What is the reticular formation in the Spinoreticular tract responsible for?

Answer 9

Potential to alter attention and interfere with sleep

Question 10

What is the medial and intralaminar nuclei in thalamus of the spino-emotional tract responsible for?

Answer 10

Affects emotions, sensation, personality, autonomic function, and movement