Pain Transmission: Understanding Sensory Neurons in the Nervous System

What component relay signals from the ankle to the central nervous system when you experience the pain of a sprained ankle?

a) the myelin sheath
b) interneurons
c) motor neurons
d) sensory neurons

Final answer:

Sensory neurons are responsible for sending signals from a sprained ankle to the central nervous system. This occurs as part of the sensory-somatic nervous system. The resulting pain signal is what causes the feeling of pain.

Answer:

Sensory neurons are specialized nerve cells that are responsible for transmitting signals from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. In the case of a sprained ankle, sensory neurons play a crucial role in relaying the sensation of pain from the injured area to the brain.

Explanation:

When you experience the pain of a sprained ankle, sensory neurons in the affected area become activated by the physical damage. These sensory neurons then send electrical signals through the sensory nerves to the spinal cord and ultimately to the brain, where the sensation of pain is perceived and processed.

The sensory-somatic nervous system, of which sensory neurons are a key component, is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the skin, muscles, and sensory organs to the central nervous system. This system allows us to sense and respond to various stimuli in our environment, including pain signals like those from a sprained ankle.

For example, when you touch a hot stove, sensory neurons in your hand quickly transmit information about the extreme heat to your brain, prompting you to instinctively pull your hand away to prevent further injury. This rapid communication between sensory neurons and the central nervous system is essential for survival and protection from harm.