A worker in a lumber mill suffers a serious injury when he gets his arm caught in the machinery.Though the experience is painful,it is less painful than it might be because:
A) the worker is probably too delirious to experience much pain
B) the pain sensors are probably damaged in such an injury
C) trauma blocks the production of sodium ions and so transmission of pain impulses is blocked
D) the brain produces endorphins, which stop receptors from signaling pain

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice is D because endorphins are chemicals produced by the brain that act as natural painkillers. When the body goes through a traumatic experience or experiences intense pain, the brain releases endorphins which can block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. Therefore, the worker in the lumber mill may be experiencing less pain due to the release of endorphins in response to the injury.

A Worker in a Lumber Mill Suffers a Serious Injury