Activity of neurons in the spinothalamic pathway may still send signals even if the first order sensoryreceptor does not receive a signal such as in amputation. This situation might cause
A) referred pain.
B) phantom limb pain.
C) pain adaptation.
D) paresthesia.
E) anesthesia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phantom limb pain occurs when the neural pathways that formerly transmitted signals from the amputated limb continue to be active, leading to the sensation of pain even though the limb is no longer present. This can occur due to reorganization in the central nervous system that follows amputation, which can lead to altered activity in neurons within the spinothalamic pathway. Referred pain is pain felt in an area distant from the source of the stimulus, and is unlikely to result from spinothalamic pathway activity following amputation. Pain adaptation refers to a decrease in the perception of pain over time with continued exposure, while paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling or numbness. Anesthesia refers to a state of loss of sensation.

Activity of Neurons in the Spinothalamic Pathway May Still Send