title: Basic anatomy and physiology of pain pathways.
abstract: This article provides an integrated review of the basic anatomy and physiology of the pain processing pathways. The transmission and parcellation of noxious stimuli from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system is discussed. In addition, the inhibitory and excitatory systems that regulate pain along with the consequences of dysfunction are considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, S4, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bourne
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, S31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Andre G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, S31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Electronic address: nagels@ccf.org.
authors.forename: Sean J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Nagel
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D009434:Neural Pathways; D059225:Nociception / Q000502:physiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
keywords: Allodynia; Descending systems; Gait control theory; Hyperalgesia; Peripheral sensitization; Spino-thalamic tract