Pain

Question 1

Nocicpetion

Answer 1

Sensory process that provides signal possibly causing pain

Question 2

The pain pathway

Answer 2

• Raw nerve endings in the skin
• Axons end in the spinal cord go to thalamus
• Thalamus goes to cortex (somatosensory cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus - mediates emotional response to pain)

Question 3

Pain signals

Answer 3

• Bradykinin - released by cells in the skin in response to damage
• Prostaglandins - sensitize nociceptors
• Substance P - intensifies pain perception

Question 4

Drugs

Answer 4

Substance P inhibited by opioids and endorphins

Question 5

Pain reduction

Answer 5

• Gate control theory - pain tracts connect to nociceptors and touch cells
• Also connect to an inhibitory interneuron
• Touch at the same time as pain can inhibit pan signals from going to the brain