What does transmission refer to in pain pathways?

What does transmission refer to in pain pathways?

• A. Activation of pain receptors
• B. Pain impulse travels to brain
• C. Individual becomes aware of pain
• D. Inhibition of pain

Answer: (B)

Transmission is the conduction of the nociceptive signal along afferent pathways from the site of injury toward the central nervous system and up to the brain. After nociceptors are activated (transduction), the impulse travels via A-delta and C fibers into the spinal cord and onward to higher brain centers, where the signal is processed further. This step is distinct from awareness (perception) and from inhibition or facilitation (modulation). So the option describing the impulse traveling to the brain best represents transmission.

Transmission is the conduction of the nociceptive signal along afferent pathways from the site of injury toward the central nervous system and up to the brain. After nociceptors are activated (transduction), the impulse travels via A-delta and C fibers into the spinal cord and onward to higher brain centers, where the signal is processed further. This step is distinct from awareness (perception) and from inhibition or facilitation (modulation). So the option describing the impulse traveling to the brain best represents transmission.