title: The physiology of pain: a review.
abstract: Pain is a complex physiological phenomenon that begins with the stimulation of free nerve endings in peripheral tissues and culminates in the perception of a physical and psychological state. The pain experience may be facilitated or inhibited through the action of several neurologic circuits which utilize several neurotransmitters. Therapeutic analgesia is achieved either through interference with pain-facilitating mechanisms or enhancement of pain-inhibiting mechanisms; practical applications are reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000503:physiopathology; D009433:Neural Inhibition; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059408:Pain Management; D012154:Reticular Formation / Q000503:physiopathology; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000503:physiopathology; D013133:Spinothalamic Tracts / Q000503:physiopathology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents