IB Biology: C2.2-Perception of Pain by Pain Receptors

Front

What do pain receptors in the body detect?

Back

Pain receptors detect stimuli.

Front

What are pain receptors?

Back

Pain receptors are the nerve endings of sensory neurons that transmit impulses to the central nervous system.

Front

What causes the channels for positive ions in nerve endings to open?

Back

The channels open in response to stimuli such as high temperature, acid, or chemicals like capsaicin in pepper.

Front

What happens when positively charged ions enter the nerve endings?

Back

The entry of positively charged ions causes the threshold potential to be reached, generating impulses that pass along the neuron to the spinal cord.

Front

Where do interneurons in the spinal cord relay the impulse?

Back

Interneurons relay the impulse to the cerebral cortex.

Front

What happens when impulses reach the sensory areas of the cerebral cortex?

Back

The sensation of pain is experienced.

Front

What role does the prefrontal cortex play in pain perception?

Back

The prefrontal cortex allows us to become fully aware of the pain and evaluate the situation.

Front

What is the typical response of the brain to pain stimuli?

Back

The brain often sends a signal to the effectors of behaviour, reducing exposure to the stimulus.