The role of the afferent and efferent pathways in
processing of pain information
Nociceptive pain
Nociceptors: Endings of small unmyelinated and lightly
myelinated afferent neurons
Stimulators: Chemical, mechanical and thermal noxae
Mild stimulation positive, pleasurable sensation
(e.g. tickling)
Strong stimulation pain
These differences are a result of the frequency
and amplitude of the afferent signal transmitted
from the nerve endings to the CNS
Location: In muscles, tendons, epidermis, subcutanous tissue,
visceral organs
- they are not evenly distributed in the body
(in skin more then in internal structures)