Pain Pathways and Processing

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What is the primary function of nociceptors in the pain perception pathway?

To regulate the release of endogenous opioid peptides

To transduce noxious stimuli into electrical signals (correct)

To transmit innocuous mechanical stimuli

To modulate the affective component of pain

What is the term for the heightened response to a stimulus that is normally algesic?

Allodynia

Hyperalgesia (correct)

Nociception

Analgesia

What type of ion channels are involved in the detection of painful stimuli?

Voltage-dependent potassium channels

Voltage-dependent calcium channels

Ligand-gated ion channels

Voltage-dependent sodium channels (correct)

Which type of pain is characterized by a sustained response to injury, even after the initial stimulus has resolved?

Neuropathic pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the activation of immune cells in inflammatory pain?

Release of inflammatory mediators and chemotactic agents Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the opioid system in the context of pain perception?

To reduce the transmission of noxious stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of nociceptor sensitization in inflammatory pain?

Modulation of peripheral receptor/ion channel properties Signup and view all the answers

What type of agents are involved in the inflammatory cascade?

Inflammatory mediators and chemotactic agents Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the response to a stimulus that is not normally algesic?

Allodynia Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of Ab fibers, which are responsible for transmitting information about posture, motion, and position as well as innocuous mechanical and thermal stimuli?

Proprioceptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of NSAIDs on inflammatory pain?

Blocking of inflammatory mediators Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following opioid receptors is primarily responsible for mediating analgesia via spinal mechanisms?

Kappa (KOP) receptor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the spinoreticular tract in pain perception?

General aspects of pain perception Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an endogenous analgesic peptide that is involved in the regulation of pain and mood?

b-Endorphin Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of opioids on neurons in the spinal cord?

Opening potassium channels and leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following opioids is known for its high abuse liability and potential for respiratory depression?

Morphine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between opioid agonists and antagonists?

Agonists activate opioid receptors, while antagonists block them Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following opioid receptors is responsible for mediating the affective and alertive aspects of pain?

Paleospinothalamic tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the descending nociceptive pathways in pain perception?

Modulating pain transmission in the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of opioids that is relevant to their abuse liability?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of opioid antagonists?

Blocking the action of opioid agonists on opioid receptors Signup and view all the answers