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NURS 535 Exam 1 Questions and
Answers Latest 2026
Gate control theory Ans: In this theory pain impulses
travel through the spinal cord where cells in the
substantia gelatinosa (laminae in the dorsal horn of the
spinal cord) function as a "gate". Partial closure of the
gate can be cause by non-nociceptive stimulation.
Neuromatrix theory Ans: This theory suggests that
various inputs lead to feeling pain, including genetic,
psychologic, and cognitive experiences. Illustrates the
plasticity of the brain.
Nociceptive transmissions Ans: Fibers that open the
spinal gate and increase the perception of pain
Afferent pathway Ans: Begins in the peripheral nervous
system (PNS), travel to the spinal gate in the dorsal horn
and then ascend to higher levels in the CNS
Interpretive center Ans: Located in the brainstem,
midbrain, diencephalon, and cerebral cortex
Efferent pathway Ans: Descend from the CNS to the
dorsal horn of the spinal cord modulate pain
Pain transduction Ans: This step of nociception begins
when tissue is damaged by noxious stimuli and is
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converted to electrophysical activity, which causes
activation of nociceptors
A delta fibers Ans: Lightly myelinated, medium sized
fibers that rapidly transmit sharp, well-localized "fast"
pain sensations
C fibers Ans: Smaller, unmyelinated that slowly transmit
dull, aching, or burning sensations that are poorly
localized and longer lasting
A beta fibers Ans: Large, myelinated fibers that transmit
touch and vibration sensations
Pain transmission Ans: The conduction of pain impulses
along A delta and C fibers into the dorsal horn of the
spinal cord and the brainstem, thalamus, and cortex.
Dorsal horn Ans: The back of the spinal cord, where the
sensory fibers relay pain transmissions to the brain
Spinothalamic Ans: Pathway that "goes towards the
thalamus"
Thalamus Ans: The principle target location for afferent
nociceptors is the:
Pain modulation Ans: The physiologic process of
suppressing or facilitating pain
Hyperalgesia Ans: Increased sensitivity to pain
© 2025 All rights reserved
NURS 535 Exam 1 Questions and
Answers Latest 2026
Gate control theory Ans: In this theory pain impulses
travel through the spinal cord where cells in the
substantia gelatinosa (laminae in the dorsal horn of the
spinal cord) function as a "gate". Partial closure of the
gate can be cause by non-nociceptive stimulation.
Neuromatrix theory Ans: This theory suggests that
various inputs lead to feeling pain, including genetic,
psychologic, and cognitive experiences. Illustrates the
plasticity of the brain.
Nociceptive transmissions Ans: Fibers that open the
spinal gate and increase the perception of pain
Afferent pathway Ans: Begins in the peripheral nervous
system (PNS), travel to the spinal gate in the dorsal horn
and then ascend to higher levels in the CNS
Interpretive center Ans: Located in the brainstem,
midbrain, diencephalon, and cerebral cortex
Efferent pathway Ans: Descend from the CNS to the
dorsal horn of the spinal cord modulate pain
Pain transduction Ans: This step of nociception begins
when tissue is damaged by noxious stimuli and is
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
converted to electrophysical activity, which causes
activation of nociceptors
A delta fibers Ans: Lightly myelinated, medium sized
fibers that rapidly transmit sharp, well-localized "fast"
pain sensations
C fibers Ans: Smaller, unmyelinated that slowly transmit
dull, aching, or burning sensations that are poorly
localized and longer lasting
A beta fibers Ans: Large, myelinated fibers that transmit
touch and vibration sensations
Pain transmission Ans: The conduction of pain impulses
along A delta and C fibers into the dorsal horn of the
spinal cord and the brainstem, thalamus, and cortex.
Dorsal horn Ans: The back of the spinal cord, where the
sensory fibers relay pain transmissions to the brain
Spinothalamic Ans: Pathway that "goes towards the
thalamus"
Thalamus Ans: The principle target location for afferent
nociceptors is the:
Pain modulation Ans: The physiologic process of
suppressing or facilitating pain
Hyperalgesia Ans: Increased sensitivity to pain
© 2025 All rights reserved
