Nociceptors and the peripheral nervous system's role in pain

J Hand Ther. 1997 Apr-Jun;10(2):78-85. doi: 10.1016/s0894-1130(97)80062-2.

Abstract

This article reviews the role that the peripheral nervous system plays in pain perception. The first section describes the functional properties of the primary sensory element-the nociceptor-and how its behavior is related to pain perception. The second section describes the current state of knowledge concerning the way our nociceptive sensing system changes as a result of tissue injury, including those changes related to sympathetic nervous system modulation of pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hyperesthesia / etiology
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology*
  • Nociceptors / physiology*
  • Pain / physiopathology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System / physiology*
  • Skin / innervation
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiology
  • Viscera / innervation
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications