Which type of nerve fiber is most commonly associated with dull, persistent pain?

Which type of nerve fiber is most commonly associated with dull, persistent pain?

• A. A-alpha
• B. A-gamma
• C. A-delta
• D. C

Answer: (D)

Pain types are transmitted by different nerve fibers. The dull, persistent pain that lingers after an injury is carried mainly by unmyelinated C fibers. These small-diameter nerves conduct signals slowly, which creates a longer-lasting, aching or burning sensation that is often poorly localized. In contrast, sharp, immediate pain is carried by myelinated A-delta fibers that conduct quickly and provide precise localization. A-alpha fibers handle motor and proprioception, while A-gamma fibers are motor fibers to muscle spindles and aren’t the primary conduits for nociceptive pain. So, the fiber most associated with dull, persistent pain is the C fiber.

Pain types are transmitted by different nerve fibers. The dull, persistent pain that lingers after an injury is carried mainly by unmyelinated C fibers. These small-diameter nerves conduct signals slowly, which creates a longer-lasting, aching or burning sensation that is often poorly localized. In contrast, sharp, immediate pain is carried by myelinated A-delta fibers that conduct quickly and provide precise localization. A-alpha fibers handle motor and proprioception, while A-gamma fibers are motor fibers to muscle spindles and aren’t the primary conduits for nociceptive pain. So, the fiber most associated with dull, persistent pain is the C fiber.