Final answer:
The throbbing pain from a stubbed toe is transmitted by nociceptors through C fibers, which carry slower, more persistent pain signals to the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The throbbing pain from a stubbed toe, which arises about 20 minutes after the initial injury, is conveyed to the central nervous system by nociceptors. These nociceptors are activated by chemical messengers like cytokines, serotonin, and prostaglandins released by damaged cells. The sensory information is transmitted to the brain by two types of nerve fibers: A delta fibers and C fibers . A delta fibers are responsible for the fast transmission of sharp, acute pain, while C fibers carry slower, duller, and longer-lasting pain signals like the throbbing sensation.