Pain Physiology MCQ Quiz | Neurophysiology

Welcome to the Pain Physiology MCQ Quiz, designed specifically for MBBS students. This quiz will test your understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying pain perception, transmission, and modulation. Covering essential topics from nociceptor activation and nerve fiber types (Aδ and C fibers) to ascending pathways like the spinothalamic tract and the intricate process of central sensitization. Delve into the roles of key neurotransmitters, the gate control theory, and the descending analgesic systems. This assessment consists of 25 carefully curated questions to challenge and reinforce your neurophysiology knowledge. After submitting your answers, you’ll receive your score and see a detailed breakdown of correct and incorrect responses. You can also download all questions with their correct answers in a PDF format for future revision. Good luck!

1. A-delta fibers are primarily responsible for transmitting which type of pain?

Slow, dull, burning pain Sharp, fast, pricking pain Visceral pain Neuropathic pain

2. Which of the following neurotransmitters is a key excitatory mediator released by primary nociceptive neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord?

GABA Glycine Substance P Serotonin

3. The spinothalamic tract is the principal ascending pathway for pain and temperature. It decussates at which level?

Medulla oblongata Pons At the level of entry into the spinal cord Thalamus

4. According to the Gate Control Theory of Pain, which fibers are responsible for “closing the gate” and thus inhibiting pain transmission?

A-delta fibers C-fibers A-beta fibers B-fibers

5. The phenomenon where pain is perceived at a site adjacent to or at a distance from the site of injury is known as:

Hyperalgesia Allodynia Referred pain Paresthesia

6. Which endogenous opioids are primarily produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and have potent analgesic effects?

Enkephalins Dynorphins Endorphins Nociceptin

7. A patient experiences severe pain from a light touch (like a bedsheet). This phenomenon is best described as:

Hyperalgesia Allodynia Analgesia Causalgia

8. The periaqueductal gray (PAG) matter in the midbrain plays a crucial role in:

Initiating the pain signal Descending pain modulation Localizing sharp pain Transmitting chronic pain signals

9. Which ion channel is crucial for the sensation of heat and capsaicin-induced pain?

NaV1.7 TRPV1 KCNQ2/3 TRPM8

10. C-fibers are characterized by which of the following properties?

Myelinated, fast conduction velocity Unmyelinated, slow conduction velocity Myelinated, slow conduction velocity Unmyelinated, fast conduction velocity

11. “Wind-up” phenomenon, a form of central sensitization, is primarily mediated by the activation of which receptor in the dorsal horn?

AMPA receptors NMDA receptors Mu-opioid receptors GABA-A receptors

12. Pain arising from damage to the somatosensory nervous system itself is classified as:

Nociceptive pain Neuropathic pain Psychogenic pain Visceral pain

13. The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is responsible for which aspect of the pain experience?

Emotional response to pain Autonomic response to pain Localization and intensity of pain Memory of pain

14. The convergence-projection theory is the most widely accepted explanation for:

Phantom limb pain Referred pain Central sensitization Opioid tolerance

15. Which part of the thalamus is the main relay station for nociceptive information from the spinothalamic tract?

Medial geniculate nucleus Lateral geniculate nucleus Ventral posterolateral (VPL) nucleus Anterior nucleus

16. Serotonin (5-HT) released from descending pathways originating in the raphe nuclei has what effect on nociception in the spinal dorsal horn?

Always excitatory Always inhibitory Can be both excitatory and inhibitory Has no effect on nociception

17. Primary hyperalgesia refers to increased pain sensitivity that occurs:

At the site of tissue injury In an area surrounding the site of injury In the central nervous system Due to psychological factors

18. NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) primarily exert their analgesic effect by inhibiting the synthesis of:

Substance P Bradykinin Prostaglandins Histamine

19. The emotional, affective component of pain is largely processed in which brain structures?

Cerebellum and brainstem Primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area Anterior cingulate cortex and insula Hippocampus and mammillary bodies

20. Which of the following is an example of visceral pain?

A paper cut A broken bone A sunburn Angina pectoris

21. The “second pain” sensation, which is dull and long-lasting, is transmitted by:

A-alpha fibers A-beta fibers A-delta fibers C-fibers

22. What is the primary role of Lamina II (Substantia Gelatinosa) of the dorsal horn?

It is the main termination site for A-beta fibers. It acts as a major site for pain modulation. It contains motor neurons for reflex arcs. It is the primary projection site for visceral afferents.

23. The trigeminal pain pathway conveys nociceptive information from the:

Limbs and trunk Thoracic viscera Face and oral cavity Pelvic organs

24. Central post-stroke pain is a classic example of:

Nociceptive pain Referred pain Central neuropathic pain Psychogenic pain

25. Which of these is NOT a component of the “neuromatrix” theory of pain proposed by Melzack?

Sensory-discriminative component Affective-motivational component Cognitive-evaluative component Reflex-arc component

G S Sachin

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