MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Specialized peripheral sensory neurons known as nociceptors alert us to potentially damaging stimuli at the skin by detecting extremes in temperature and pressure and injury-related chemicals, and transducing these stimuli into long-ranging electrical signals that are relayed to higher brain centers.

Detailed explanation-2: -Nociceptors are sensory receptors that detect signals from damaged tissue or the threat of damage and indirectly also respond to chemicals released from the damaged tissue.

Detailed explanation-3: -The somatosensory receptors can be activated by these different stimuli that act on mechanoreceptors (including proprioception), nociceptors, thermoreceptors and chemoreceptors.

Detailed explanation-4: -Three types of stimuli can activate pain receptors in peripheral tissues: mechanical (pressure, pinch), heat, and chemical. Mechanical and heat stimuli are usually brief, whereas chemical stimuli are usually long lasting.

Detailed explanation-5: -Nociceptors are a specialized subset of sensory neurons that mediate pain and densely innervate peripheral tissues including the skin, joints, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tract. Various subsets of nociceptors exist, and can respond to mechanical, chemical or thermal noxious stimuli (Box 1).