How does activating opioid receptors in the medulla reduce pain?
A) The medulla is the pain center of the brain.
B) There is an inhibition of pain signals passing through the medulla to elsewhere in the brain.
C) There is a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity, which makes someone less reactive to pain.
D) They produce rewarding effects which counteracts pain signals.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Opioid receptors in the medulla inhibit the transmission of pain signals to other parts of the brain, leading to a reduction in pain perception. This is because the medulla is involved in processing and relaying sensory information, including pain signals, to other areas of the brain. Opioid receptors activation in the medulla causes the release of substances that bind to the opioid receptors and inhibit the release of neurotransmitters involved in transmitting pain signals.

How Does Activating Opioid Receptors in the Medulla Reduce Pain