Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Parietal association area
Area of the brain that assimilates a large number of sensory inputs.
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Pain asymbolia
Condition, caused by damage to the brain, in which pain is perceived but does not cause suffering.
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Nucleus gracilis
Nucleus in the brain stem that receives sensory information from the lower body.
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Nucleus cuneatus
Nucleus in the brain stem that receives sensory information from the upper body.
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Nociceptive pain
Pain in response to a damaging or potentially damaging stimulus. Pain produced by the normal activation of nociceptors, either by an injury or by a potentially damaging stimulus. It is the normal response of the organism to an injury, and an alarm signal that warns of potential or actual harm.
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Neuropeptide
Large neurotransmitter molecule that is often long lasting.
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Generator potential
Signal sent from the receptor to the nerve, indicating receipt of stimulus.
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Endogenous opioids
Naturally occurring opioid peptides within the body. Substances, produced naturally by the brain and by other tissues that modulate pain sensitivity. Their collective name indicates their similarity to the opiates (morphine, codeine, heroin) produced from plants such as the opium poppy, which bind to the same molecular receptors in the brain that are the targets…
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Dorsal column system
Fiber pathway in the spinal cord that carries information regarding touch and visceral pain.
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C-polymodal nociceptor
Pain receptor that responds to mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli.
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