Final answer:
The neurotransmitter released by pain receptors and other cells in the pain pathway is substance P. It plays a role in transmitting pain signals and is involved in other physiological processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The neurotransmitter released by pain receptors and other cells in the pain pathway is substance P. Substance P is a neuropeptide neurotransmitter that plays a role in transmitting pain signals.
When pain receptors are activated, they release substance P into the synapse, which then binds to receptors on other cells in the pain pathway, including spinal cord neurons and brain cells. This binding triggers a cascade of signaling events that ultimately result in the perception of pain.
Substance P is also involved in other physiological processes, such as inflammation and immune responses. It has been implicated in conditions like chronic pain and migraine.