title: Pain mechanisms: labeled lines versus convergence in central processing.
abstract: The issue of whether pain is represented by specific neural elements or by patterned activity within a convergent somatosensory subsystem has been debated for over a century. The gate control theory introduced in 1965 denied central specificity, and since then most authors have endorsed convergent wide-dynamic-range neurons. Recent functional and anatomical findings provide compelling support for a new perspective that views pain in humans as a homeostatic emotion that integrates both specific labeled lines and convergent somatic activity.
authors.affiliation: Atkinson Pain Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA. bcraig@chw.edu
authors.forename: A D Bud
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Craig
mesh_terms: D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000145:classification / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013131:Spine / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D013788:Thalamus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology