key term - Nociceptors

Definition

Nociceptors are sensory receptors that detect and transmit signals related to pain. They are specialized nerve endings that respond to potentially damaging stimuli, such as heat, pressure, or chemicals.

Related terms

Pain Threshold: The point at which a stimulus is perceived as painful. For example, some people have a higher pain threshold than others.

Pain Tolerance: The amount of pain someone can endure before seeking relief. It varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as genetics and previous experiences with pain.

Gate Control Theory:

This theory suggests that the perception of pain is influenced by both physiological and psychological factors. It proposes that non-painful input can close the "gates" to painful input, thus reducing the sensation of pain.