Question

Why does the signal of pain move slower than other signals in the body? why does the nervous system allow this lag time, and how does this delay relate to protection of the human?

Answer 1

The signal of pain moves slower than other signals in the body due to the propagation of the axon potential. This delay allows the brain to have more time to assess the situation and respond accordingly, ensuring the protection of the human body.

Step-by-step explanation:

The signal of pain moves slower than other signals in the body due to the propagation of the axon potential. The axon potential is a brief electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron. It is generated when the neuron is stimulated and triggers the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse. However, the transmission of the axon potential is slower in pain receptors compared to other sensory receptors.

This delay in the transmission of pain signals is actually beneficial and relates to the protection of the human body. Pain is an important warning signal that alerts us to potential harm or danger. The slight delay in the transmission of pain signals allows the brain to have more time to assess the situation and respond accordingly. It gives us the opportunity to remove ourselves from harmful stimuli or take appropriate actions to protect ourselves.

Answer 2

Pain signals move from peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord and many gates are present in between which regulate these signals. The slow pain signals then move from the spinal cord to the hypothalamus and limbic system. The former releases hormones which are stress-related, the latter is associated with the emotions and feelings related to the same. These signals are slow because they pass through the brain parts which are responsible for the emotions also, which is limbic system and prefrontal cortex. This lag time enables the person to feel the severity of pain and protect from it. For example, the soldier feels less pain because he is attached to the war scenario in a different manner, as compared to the civilian, and therefore, pain signals follow a different pathway, leading to a feeling of comparatively lesser pain and other activities are less affected.