Pain

Question 1

What are the 3 groups that pain is classified into? (3mks)

Answer 1

1) superficial somatic pain
2) deep somatic pain
3) visceral pain

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of superficial pain (2mks)

Answer 2

Comes from joints skin and muscles and is brief and superficial

Question 3

What fibers control superficial somatic pain? (1mk)

Answer 3

A delta fibers

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of deep somatic pain (2mks)

Answer 4

Biting or aching sensation that lasts for longer and can indicate tissue destruction

Question 5

What type of fibres control deep somatic pain? (1mk)

Answer 5

Alpha beta myelinated fibres

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of visceral pain (2mks)

Answer 6

Tends to feel like burning aching and gnawing and originates in organs

Question 7

What does visceral pain release? (1mk)

Answer 7

A pain transmitter called substance P

Question 8

Describe the pain gate theory (6mks)

Answer 8

1. Centred around the function of TENs machines and water to relieve pain
2. Works by releasing electrical signals across the skin which send messages to touch receptors
3. The input from the touch receptors inhibits the impulses from the pain receptors as they flood the spinal cord with messages so pain receptors can’t get through unless their activity increases
4. Descending fibres from the brain can also modify the transmission of pain signals therefore opening or closing the gate
5. There is also a psychological element to pain for example a woman in labour who is relaxed has a higher descending inhibition so less pain is perceived than a woman who is anxious who had a reduced descending inhibition allowing more pain signals to get through