Sensory Neurons: The Messengers of Pain

What relay(s) messages from your ankle to your central nervous system when you feel the pain of a sprained ankle?

A. The myelin sheath. B. Interneurons. C. Motor neurons. D. Sensory neurons.

Answer:

The pain from a sprained ankle is relayed to the central nervous system by sensory neurons in the sensory-somatic nervous system.

When you experience the pain of a sprained ankle, sensory neurons play a crucial role in transmitting this sensation to your central nervous system. These specialized cells are responsible for relaying sensory information, such as pain, from the peripheral nervous system to the brain, allowing you to perceive and respond to the injury.

Sensory neurons are part of the sensory-somatic nervous system, which includes receptors in the skin, muscles, and other sensory organs. When you injure your ankle, sensory neurons in the affected area detect the pain signals and send them through the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord and eventually to the brain.

Once the brain processes these signals, you become aware of the pain in your sprained ankle. This process helps you protect the injured area and adapt your movements to prevent further damage.

Understanding the role of sensory neurons in pain sensation can provide insight into how your body communicates signals of discomfort and injury. Next time you feel the pain of a sprained ankle, you'll know that it's your sensory neurons diligently carrying the message to your brain.