Nociception

The perception of pain is essential to human survival. In a science article I was reading yesterday this perception is called nociception. Pain is a simple way to learn about the dangers surrounding us. Pain signals us to react whether by stepping away, recoiling or responding in a possible life saving measure.

All higher species which are composed of similar make up to humans have a nervous system that can process pain. Birds and mammals will writhe, moan or yelp. Blood pressure will rise, pupils will dialate and the pulse will increase.

Crucial to survival is having nociception. Those born with CIPA (congenital insensitivity to pain and anhydrosis) rarely live past the age of 25. Although appearing normal at birth the trouble begins when they grow teeth..as they can bite a finger off and not feel a thing. They break bones, burn hands and cut themselves but do not know they have hurt themselves until they see a bruise or blood. They often die of infection from multiple injuries.

As cliched as it sounds...pain is truly in our heads. The pain matrix in our brain tells us about intensity, location, duration and type. The anterior cingulate cortex is where the feeling of distress is triggered by the pain...interestingly enough, it does not distinguish between physical and emotional pain. But responds equally to a broken arm and to a broken heart.

So...all this just makes me thankful that I have nociception.