Pain, Temperature Regulation, Sleep, and Sensory Function

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to pain, temperature regulation, sleep, and sensory function.

Gate Control Theory

A theory of pain perception suggesting that the balance of impulses helps modulate pain transmission to higher brain centers.

Specificity Theory

Theory stating that pain intensity is directly related to the extent of tissue injury.

A-delta fibers

Nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain impulses; they are medium-sized.

Dorsal Root Ganglia

The location of the primary-order pain transmitting neurons within the spinal cord.

Substantia Gelatinosa

Part of the spinal cord where the pain gate is located, regulating pain transmission.

Lateral Spinothalamic Tract

The spinal tract that carries the most nociceptive information.

Thalamus

The brain's major relay station for sensory information.

Cerebral Cortex

The part of the CNS involved in an individual’s learned pain response.

A-beta fibers

Type of fibers stimulated during massage therapy that help close the pain gate.

Limbic System

Part of the brain responsible for the emotional response to pain.

Norepinephrine and Serotonin

Neurotransmitters that inhibit pain in the medulla and pons.

Endorphins

Endogenous opioids that act as strong µ-receptor agonists involved in pain relief.

Pain Tolerance

The maximum duration or intensity of pain that a person can endure before responding.

Acute Pain

Type of pain that warns of actual or impending tissue injury.

Visceral Pain

Pain that is poorly localized, often arising from internal organs or the abdomen.

Psychogenic Pain

Pain that is influenced by psychological factors.

Heat Exhaustion

A disorder of temperature regulation caused by prolonged high environmental temperatures.

Microalbuminuria

The first laboratory test indicating diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Condition characterized by the compression of the urethra due to prostatic tissue enlargement.

Peyronie's Disease

A fibrotic condition causing lateral curvature of the penis during erection.

Cystocele

The descent of the posterior bladder and trigone into the vaginal canal.

Mixed Precocious Puberty

Type of precocious puberty causing secondary sex characteristics of the opposite sex.

Hypoparathyroidism

Condition characterized by low parathyroid hormone levels resulting in hypocalcemia.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)

A precursor condition to cervical cancer characterized by progressive neoplastic change in cervical tissue.

Testicular Cancer

A type of cancer characterized by a firm, nontender testicular mass.

Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra commonly characterized by discharge and dysuria.

Galactorrhea

Abnormal lactation that can occur due to hyperprolactinemia.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A leading cause of infertility in women, characterized by oligo-ovulation and elevated levels of androgens.

Acromegaly

Disorder caused by the hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults.

Graves Disease

An autoimmune disorder resulting in hypersecretion of thyroid hormones.