Dental Pain and Local Anesthesia

Pain threshold is the point at which a sensation starts to become painful and discomfort results.

The visual analog scale (VAS) is a subjective instrument used to measure pain.

Pain perception is a physio-anatomical process whereby an impulse is generated, subsequent to application of an adequate stimulus, and transmitted to the Central Nervous System, differing slightly between individuals.

<p>The neuron, or nerve cell, is the structural unit of the nervous system. It manipulates information and responds to either excitation or inhibition. There are two basic types of neuron: a-sensory (afferent) and b-motor (efferent).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pain reaction is the psycho-physiological process of and response to the pain message, highly variable between and among individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pain control is the mechanism to alleviate pain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Responsible for protein synthesis and provides metabolic support for the neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The neural cytoplasm encased in the nerve membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Insulates the axon, enabling faster conduction of impulses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Uninsulated gaps formed between myelin sheaths covering axons allowing for the generation of electrical activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Endogenous chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nerve impulse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sodium channels open, allowing an influx of sodium ions, changing the electrochemical gradient.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>−70 mV.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The propagation of action potentials along myelinated axons from one node of Ranvier to the next node, increasing the conduction velocity of action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It surrounds each axon by a layer of connective tissue.</p> Signup and view all the answers