Discuss the different types of pain, pain receptors, and pain fibers and stimuli for pain.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The different type of pain include intense pressure, intense temperature, tissue damage, and chemical insults. Cells that are injured releases various signaling molecules such as histamine, proteins, and lipids, some of which stimulate pain receptors, produce swelling and redness of inflammation, and increase the area's sensitivity to touch. Pain information travels to the spinal cord via two pathways. The large, myelinated A-delta pathway transmits information rapidly and gives us the perception of a sharp, stinging pain as soon as the injury occurs. The smaller C fibers are slower and produce the dull, longer-lasting pain sensations that are felt.
Once the pain information has reached the level of the spinal cord, pain neurons release glutamate. As the stimulation increases in intensity, these neurons release both glutamate and substance P. Moving up to the level of the brain, the information passes through the thalamus and then to the somatosensory cortex. Other brain areas, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the insula, process the emotional implications of pain, while the prefrontal cortex processes pain of longer duration.