Gate control theory
Gate Control Theory
The Gate Control Theory (pronounced: geyt kuh n-trohl thee-uh-ree) is a scientific theory about the psychological perception of pain. It was first proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965. The theory suggests that the spinal cord contains a neurological "gate" that either blocks pain signals or allows them to continue on to the brain.
Etymology
The term "Gate Control Theory" is derived from the theory's central concept of a "gate" mechanism in the spinal cord that controls the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The words "gate" and "control" are of Old English and Middle French origins respectively, while "theory" is derived from the Greek word "theoria", meaning contemplation or speculation.
Concept
According to the Gate Control Theory, pain signals are not free to reach the brain as soon as they are generated at the injured tissues or sites. They need to encounter certain 'neurological gates' at the spinal cord level and these gates determine whether the pain signals should reach the brain or not.
Mechanism
The "gate" is a metaphorical term referring to the mechanisms in the central nervous system that modulate sensory transmission. The theory proposes that the interplay between the nociceptive (painful) and non-nociceptive nerve fibers can inhibit or facilitate the transmission of the pain signals, thus controlling the perception of pain.
Related Terms
- Nociception: The sensory nervous system's response to certain harmful or potentially harmful stimuli.
- Pain Perception: The process by which pain is recognized and interpreted by the brain.
- Spinal Cord: The part of the central nervous system enclosed in the vertebral column, responsible for transmitting nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
- Neurological Gate: A hypothetical gate in the spinal cord that either blocks or allows pain signals to pass on to the brain.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gate control theory
- Wikipedia's article - Gate control theory
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