Spinal-cord dorsal-horn substantia-gelatinosa neural circuits receive signals from brain and inhibit nerve-impulse flow from spinal cord to brain {gate control theory of pain}|. Large-fiber inputs, such as from gentle rubbing {counterstimulation}, stimulate substantia-gelatinosa neurons to inhibit signal flow, closing the gate. Small-fiber inputs, such as from pinching {diffuse noxious inhibitory control} {counterirritation}, inhibit substantia-gelatinosa neurons to release signal flow, opening the gate. Direct brain signals also inhibit flow and close the gate [Melzack, 1973] [Melzack, 1996].
Consciousness>Consciousness>Sense>Pain>Physiology
1-Consciousness-Sense-Pain-Physiology
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Date Modified: 2022.0224