The most important descending pathways for modulation of spinal cord transmission of pain originate in the

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The most important descending pathways for modulation of spinal cord transmission of pain originate in the pons. The Pontine Reticular Formation (PRF) and the Medullary Reticular Formation (MRF) are two major sites of pain modulatory controls in the brainstem. The PRF contains both trigger cells (cells directly responsible for inhibition or facilitation of pain) and modulating cells that project to the MRF. The MRF sends fibers both to the dorsal horn (where sensory fibers enter the spinal cord) and to the PRF. The MRF contains cells that are capable of inhibiting (via opioid peptides) and facilitating (via glutamate) the transmission of pain signals.

The Most Important Descending Pathways for Modulation of Spinal Cord