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NURS 535 EXAM 1 WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS 2025/2026
Gate control theory - correct answers -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 - correct answers -This theory suggests that various inputs
lead to feeling pain, including genetic, psychologic, and cognitive experiences.
Illustrates the plasticity of the brain.
Nociceptive transmissions - correct answers -Fibers that open the spinal gate and
increase the perception of pain
Afferent pathway - correct answers -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 - correct answers -Located in the brainstem, midbrain,
diencephalon, and cerebral cortex
Efferent pathway - correct answers -Descend from the CNS to the dorsal horn of
the spinal cord modulate pain
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Pain transduction - correct answers -This step of nociception begins when tissue is
damaged by noxious stimuli and is converted to electrophysical activity, which
causes activation of nociceptors
A delta fibers - correct answers -Lightly myelinated, medium sized fibers that
rapidly transmit sharp, well-localized "fast" pain sensations
C fibers - correct answers -Smaller, unmyelinated that slowly transmit dull, aching,
or burning sensations that are poorly localized and longer lasting
A beta fibers - correct answers -Large, myelinated fibers that transmit touch and
vibration sensations
Pain transmission - correct answers -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 - correct answers -The back of the spinal cord, where the sensory
fibers relay pain transmissions to the brain
Spinothalamic - correct answers -Pathway that "goes towards the thalamus"
Thalamus - correct answers -The principle target location for afferent nociceptors
is the:
NURS 535 EXAM 1 WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS 2025/2026
Gate control theory - correct answers -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 - correct answers -This theory suggests that various inputs
lead to feeling pain, including genetic, psychologic, and cognitive experiences.
Illustrates the plasticity of the brain.
Nociceptive transmissions - correct answers -Fibers that open the spinal gate and
increase the perception of pain
Afferent pathway - correct answers -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 - correct answers -Located in the brainstem, midbrain,
diencephalon, and cerebral cortex
Efferent pathway - correct answers -Descend from the CNS to the dorsal horn of
the spinal cord modulate pain
, 2|Page
Pain transduction - correct answers -This step of nociception begins when tissue is
damaged by noxious stimuli and is converted to electrophysical activity, which
causes activation of nociceptors
A delta fibers - correct answers -Lightly myelinated, medium sized fibers that
rapidly transmit sharp, well-localized "fast" pain sensations
C fibers - correct answers -Smaller, unmyelinated that slowly transmit dull, aching,
or burning sensations that are poorly localized and longer lasting
A beta fibers - correct answers -Large, myelinated fibers that transmit touch and
vibration sensations
Pain transmission - correct answers -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 - correct answers -The back of the spinal cord, where the sensory
fibers relay pain transmissions to the brain
Spinothalamic - correct answers -Pathway that "goes towards the thalamus"
Thalamus - correct answers -The principle target location for afferent nociceptors
is the:
