PSY 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Tunxis Community College, Aerobic Exercise, Health Psychology
23 Nov 2020
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Gate control theory the experience of pain results from the opening and closing of gating mechanisms in the nervous system. Sensations from two types of sensory fibres enter the spinal cord, and activate neurons that travel up toward the brain regions responsible for our perception of pain. Thin fibres carry sharp pain impulses, thick fibres carry dull pain information. Experience of pain depends on ratio of thin-to-thick fibre transmission. Thin fibre activity opens spinal cord gates , while thick fibre activity closes them. Rubbing a bruise or scratching an itch stimulate thick fibres, and produce relief. Acupuncture may stimulate mostly thick fibres, causing pain relief. Endorphins natural opiate-like substances that are involved in pain reduction. Inhibit release of neurotransmitters involved in synaptic transmission of pain impulses. Individuals often differ in pain experiences despite identical pain stimulation. Linked in variations in number of receptors for endorphins and ability to release endorphins. Stress-induced analgesia a reduction in, or absence of, perceived pain.
