All Flashcards
Explain the gate-control theory of pain.
The spinal cord contains a neurological 'gate' that either blocks pain signals or allows them to pass to the brain. Small nerve fibers open the gate, while large nerve fibers close it.
How do endorphins affect pain perception?
Endorphins are natural pain relievers that can reduce pain perception by binding to opiate receptors in the brain.
What role do psychological factors play in pain perception?
Attention, expectations, and social context can increase or decrease pain perception.
How does the vestibular sense work?
Semicircular canals and vestibular sacs in the inner ear contain hair cells stimulated by movement, providing a sense of balance and orientation.
How does kinesthesis contribute to movement?
Muscles and joints send information to the brain about limb positions, allowing for coordinated movement and awareness of body position.
Explain the concept of sensory interaction.
Different senses influence each other to create a combined sensory experience, such as how smell, texture, and taste combine to create flavor.
What is the impact of embodied cognition?
Bodily sensations influence psychological states; for example, feeling physically warm can promote feelings of social warmth.
Describe how attention affects pain perception.
Focusing on something other than the pain can reduce the perception of pain, while focusing on the pain can intensify it.
How does social context influence pain perception?
Cultural norms and social expectations can influence how individuals express and perceive pain.
Explain how expectations can affect pain perception.
If someone expects a situation to be painful, they are likely to experience more pain than if they expect it to be manageable.
How is the gate-control theory used in pain management?
Techniques like massage and acupuncture activate large nerve fibers to close the 'gate' and reduce pain.
How do athletes use kinesthesis?
Dancers and figure skaters rely on kinesthesis for precise body movements and coordination.
How does sensory interaction affect cooking?
Chefs consider sensory interaction to create flavorful dishes by balancing smell, texture, and taste.
How is embodied cognition used in therapy?
Therapists may use techniques like guided imagery to influence psychological states through physical sensations.
How is the vestibular sense important for pilots?
Pilots rely on their vestibular sense to maintain balance and spatial orientation during flight.
How is proprioception used in physical therapy?
Physical therapists use exercises to improve proprioception, helping patients regain balance and coordination after injuries.
How does understanding pain perception help doctors?
Doctors use knowledge of psychological and social factors to tailor pain management strategies for individual patients.
How can attention be used to manage pain?
Distraction techniques, such as focusing on a task or engaging in a hobby, can reduce the perception of pain.
How does sensory interaction affect the experience of eating?
The combination of taste, smell, and texture influences the overall enjoyment and perception of food.
How does the vestibular sense affect daily life?
The vestibular sense helps maintain balance and spatial orientation, which is essential for everyday activities like walking and driving.
What is the effect of endorphin release?
Reduced pain perception and a sense of well-being.
What causes phantom limb sensations?
Brain misinterpreting central nervous system activity after limb loss.
What is the effect of a conflict between vestibular and visual signals?
Motion sickness, including nausea and disorientation.
What causes variations in pain sensitivity?
Genetic differences in endorphin production.
What is the effect of activating large nerve fibers?
Closing the 'gate' in the spinal cord, reducing pain signals reaching the brain.
What is the effect of activating small nerve fibers?
Opening the 'gate' in the spinal cord, allowing pain signals to reach the brain.
What is the effect of parental responses on children's pain?
Children's reactions to pain can be influenced by parental responses, either increasing or decreasing their perception of pain.
What is the effect of a cold on taste perception?
A cold can affect taste perception due to the reduced sense of smell, which interacts with taste.
What is the effect of physical warmth?
Physical warmth can promote feelings of social warmth due to embodied cognition.
What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between vestibular and visual signals, leading to nausea and disorientation.