PSY-1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Ronald Melzack, Sensory System, Endorphins
Document Summary
Gate control theory (ronald melzack) proposes that the experience of pain results from opening and closing of gating mechanisms in the nervous system. Events in the spinal cord can open up spinal cord gates and allow nerve impulses to go to towards the brain. Other sensory output can close gates and blunt our experience to pain. Acupuncture needed stimulate tactile receptors that close pain gates. Normally releases endorphins to blunt pain sensation. Nerve impulses from fibers descending from the brain can also influence spinal gates either increasing or decreasing pain stimulation to the brain. Central control mechanism allows thoughts, emotions, beliefs to influence experience of pain. Explains why pain is a psychological and physical phenomenon. Glial cells which support and service neurons are involved in maintenance of pathological pain. Become activated by viral or bacteria infection and by substances release by neurons into the pain pathways. Amplify pain by releasing cytokines (messenger molecules) that promote inflammation.
