EXAM 3 Sensory Systems: Pain and Sensory Processing

Sensation

The process of detecting environmental stimuli.

Receptor Cells

Cells that convert stimuli into electrical signals.

Labeled Lines

Distinct nerve tracts for different sensory experiences.

Receptor Potential

Local membrane potential change due to stimuli.

Sensory Transduction

Conversion of stimulus into membrane potential change.

Phasic Receptors

Receptors that adapt quickly to stimuli.

Tonic Receptors

Receptors that show little adaptation to stimuli.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors responding to tissue damage.

Anterolateral System

Pathway for pain and temperature sensations.

Cingulate Cortex

Integrates pain information in the brain.

Substance P

Peptide that enhances pain signal transmission.

Gate Control Theory

Theory explaining modulation of pain signals.

Analgesia

Absence or reduction of pain sensation.

Placebo Effect

Symptom relief from an inert treatment.

Phantom Limb Pain

Pain perceived in amputated limbs.

Capsaicin

Chemical in chili peppers causing burning sensation.

TRPV1

Ion channel activated by heat and capsaicin.

Receptive Field

Area affecting a sensory neuron's firing rate.

Sensory Cortex

Brain area processing sensory information.

Primary Sensory Cortex

Cortex dedicated to specific sensory modalities.

Sensory Homunculus

Map of body representation in sensory cortex.

Motor Pathway

Neural pathways controlling muscle movement.

Motor Plan

Set of commands for muscle actions.

Electromyography (EMG)

Records electrical activity of muscles.

Proprioception

Awareness of body position and movement.

Muscle Spindle

Receptor responding to muscle stretch.

Golgi Tendon Organs

Receptors sensitive to muscle tension.

Pyramidal System

Pathway controlling voluntary muscle movements.

Extrapyramidal System

Pathway controlling involuntary muscle movements.

EPSPs

Excitatory postsynaptic potentials in neurons.

Adaptation

Decrease in receptor response to constant stimuli.

Pain Withdrawal Reflex

Immediate reaction to painful stimuli.

Neuropathic Pain

Chronic pain without tissue damage.

Opiate Drugs

Medications that reduce pain perception.

Epidural Injections

Direct delivery of pain relief into spinal cord.

Cognitive Strategies

Mental techniques to cope with pain.

Acupuncture

Pain relief technique using needles.

Endorphins

Natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.

Inflammation

Body's response to injury causing pain.

Thermal Pain

Pain caused by extreme temperature changes.

Chronic Pain

Long-lasting pain affecting daily life.

Acute Pain

Short-term pain signaling immediate harm.

Social Communication of Pain

Nonverbal cues indicating pain to others.

Mirror Therapy

Visual feedback technique for phantom limb pain.

Burning Sensation

Sensation caused by capsaicin activation.

Endogenous Opioid System

Body's natural pain relief mechanism.

Action Potential (AP)

Electrical signal transmitting information in neurons.

Intensity Encoding

Representation of stimulus strength by AP frequency.

Sensory Adaptation

Decreased response to unchanging stimuli.

Nerve Fibers

Axons transmitting sensory information to the brain.

Dorsal Horns

Spinal cord area receiving sensory input.

Glutamate

Neurotransmitter enhancing pain signal transmission.

Cognitive Pain Relief

Using mental techniques to alleviate pain.

Pain Networks

Brain areas involved in processing pain.

Motor Feedback

Sensory information guiding muscle movements.