What have scientists discovered about pain mechanisms?
A)there is one set of receptors that responds to all forms of pain-producing stimuli.
B)the location and intensity of pain is identified by mechanisms in the spinal cord.
C)pain signals are sent to the central nervous system via two pathways.
D)pain signals are first sent to the brain via the reticular formation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Scientists have discovered that there are two main pathways through which pain signals are sent to the central nervous system - the spinothalamic tract and the dorsal column pathway. These pathways differ in terms of the type of pain they transmit (e.g. fast or slow pain) and the speed at which they transmit it. Understanding these pathways can help scientists better understand how pain is processed and targeted for pain management.

Note: Option A is incorrect as different types of pain may be transmitted via different sets of receptors (e.g. thermal pain vs mechanical pain). Option B is partially correct, as the location of pain is identified by mechanisms in the spinal cord, but intensity is processed by the brain. Option D is incorrect as pain signals are typically first received and processed in the spinal cord before being transmitted to the brain.

What Have Scientists Discovered About Pain Mechanisms