Which of the following are involved in the transmission of pain signal in gate control theory of pain?
A. A-delta

B. C fibers

C. A-beta fibers

D. Large nerve fibers

E. Small nerve fibers

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is A, B, and E Only.

Key Points

• Gate Control Theory of Pain:
  • This theory was proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965.
  • It suggests that non-painful input closes the "gates" to painful input, which prevents pain sensation from traveling to the central nervous system.
  • Therefore, stimulation by non-noxious input can suppress pain.
• Involved Fibers:
  • A-delta fibers: These are myelinated fibers that transmit sharp, acute pain signals quickly.
  • C fibers: These are unmyelinated fibers that carry dull, throbbing pain signals more slowly.
  • Small nerve fibers: These include both A-delta and C fibers and are involved in transmitting pain signals to the spinal cord and brain.

Additional Information

• Other Fibers Not Primarily Involved in Pain Transmission:
  • A-beta fibers: These are large, myelinated fibers that generally transmit touch and pressure sensations, not pain. They can modulate pain by activating inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord, which is why they are involved in the gate control theory but not as primary transmitters of pain.
  • Large nerve fibers: These typically refer to fibers like A-beta fibers that are involved in non-painful sensory input. Their activation can help "close the gate" to pain signals, but they are not directly responsible for transmitting pain.