Psychology 2036A/B Lecture 8: Lecture 8

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2036A/B
• Professor: Yves Bureau

Document Summary

Note: analgesia = the inability to feel pain. Although not enjoyable, the experience of pain serves three important functions: Serves as basis of learning to avoid injurious objects/situations. Sets limits on activity and enforces inactivity and/or rest: which is often essential for recovery and survival. When contact with injurious stimuli occurs, signals follow a particular route: afferent (sensory)neurons --> spinal cord --> brain, nocioceptors of the afferent (sensory) neurons (pns) respond to the stimuli. Generate impulses from the sense organ that travel to the cns. Two types of afferent peripheral fibres: a-delta fibres: sharp, distinct pain. Small myelinated fibres that transmit impulses very quickly o. Afferent fibres group together after leaving the periphery and form a nerve o o. These nerves then enter the dorsal horns of the spinal cord. Substantia gelatinosa - sensory input info is modulated. C-delta fibres - motivational and affective elements of pain. Sensations are modified as they more to the brain.