What stimulates the periaqueductal GREY?

This is sometimes referred to as the Gate control theory of pain and is supported by the fact that electrical stimulation of the PAG results in immediate and profound analgesia. The periaqueductal gray is also activated by viewing distressing images associated with pain.

Where is the periaqueductal gray located?

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is an anatomic and functional interface between the forebrain and the lower brainstem and has a major role in integrated behavioral responses to internal (e.g., pain) or external (e.g., threat) stressors.

What is the function of the periaqueductal gray?

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a key structure in the propagation and modulation of pain, sympathetic responses as well as the learning and action of defensive and aversive behaviors.

What part of the brain is the PAG?

midbrain
The periaqueductal gray, or PAG, is an area of gray matter found in the midbrain. The PAG surrounds the cerebral aqueduct (hence the name periaqueductal) and occupies a column of brainstem that stretches about 14 mm long.

What role does the periaqueductal gray matter play in pain?

The periaqueductal grey matter (PAG) of the midbrain is involved in the supraspinal modulation of pain. Studies in non-human primates have shown that electrical stimulation of the PAG exerts a powerful antinociceptive (analgesic) action, blocking pain signals from the spinal cord.

Where is the substantia Gelatinosa?

the spinal cord
Substantia gelatinosa is a collection of cells in the gray area (dorsal horns) of the spinal cord. Found at all levels of the cord, it receives direct input from the dorsal (sensory) nerve roots, especially those fibers from pain and thermoreceptors.

What is the neurotransmitter released by the periaqueductal GREY?

Abstract. The stimulation of the periaqueductal gray (PAG) produces behavioral analgesia in rats, cats, monkeys, and humans. This analgesia is believed to be mediated by several neurotransmitter systems, including the serotonergic, noradrenergic, glycinergic, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic, and opiatergic systems.

What is in the periaqueductal gray?

The periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) contains a prominent longitudinal fiber system (the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus of Schütz), connecting forebrain and brainstem autonomic control nuclei.

How does a PAG work?

The PAG consists of distinct columns that receive selective inputs from the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, and nociceptive pathways. Via its connections with different brainstem nuclei, the PAG coordinates specific patterns of cardiovascular, respiratory, motor, and pain modulatory responses.