Question

Refer to table \(7.3\) to obtain axon diameters and conduction rates. Given that a rate of \(1 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{sec}\) is equal to \(2.24 \mathrm{mph}\), answer the following questions. What is the fastest rate (in m/sec and mph) that pain information can be transmitted?

Short answer

The fastest rate at which pain information can be transmitted is \(x \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{sec}\) and \(x \mathrm{~mph}\), where \(x \mathrm{~mph} = x \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{sec} \times 2.24\).

Step-by-step solution

Refer to table 7.3 to obtain the required information

First, refer to table 7.3 in your textbook to find the axon diameter and conduction rate corresponding to the transmission of pain information. Note down the values to proceed to the next step.

Identify the conduction rate for the transmission of pain information

Identify the maximum conduction rate (the fastest rate at which pain information can be transmitted) from the information obtained in Step 1. Let's assume the maximum conduction rate is \(x \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{sec}\).

Convert the conduction rate from m/sec to mph

Use the conversion factor provided in the question to convert the maximum conduction rate from m/sec to mph. The conversion factor is: \(1 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{sec} = 2.24 \mathrm{mph}\) To convert the maximum conduction rate (\(x \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{sec}\)) to mph, set up the equation: \(x \mathrm{~mph} = x \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{sec} \times 2.24\) Now, calculate the value of \(x \mathrm{~mph}\).

State the fastest rate of pain information transmission

With the values obtained in Steps 2 and 3, state the fastest rate of pain information transmission in both m/sec and mph.

Key concepts

Axon Diameter

Axons are the long, threadlike parts of nerve cells that carry electrical impulses away from the cell body. One important characteristic of axons is their diameter. The diameter affects how fast signals can travel along the axon. Simply put, a larger axon diameter allows for faster signal conduction.

This is because thicker axons have less electrical resistance and can thus support faster propagation of electrical signals. Think of it like water moving through a pipe: a larger pipe (or diameter) allows water to flow quickly and easily, while a smaller pipe restricts the flow.

• This principle is crucial for rapidly transmitting signals, especially in parts of the body where quick responses are vital, like in reflex actions.
• Big axons can carry information faster than small axons, which is why axon diameter is critical in understanding nerve signal speeds.

When studying nerve functionality, axon diameter is a primary factor impacting how messages travel within the nervous system.

Pain Information Transmission

Pain information transmission refers to how pain signals move through the nervous system to the brain. These signals travel through nerves in the form of electrical impulses.

When our body detects a harmful stimulus, such as touching something hot, the pain information is transmitted to the brain so that we react quickly. The speed at which this happens is crucial as it helps in preventing harm or minimizing damage.

• The transmission occurs in the sensory nerves, mostly handled by specific fiber types like A-delta and C fibers.
• A-delta fibers, having larger diameters, transmit sharp, acute pain quickly.
• C fibers, which are thinner, carry dull, aching pain slower.

Understanding the speeds and pathways of pain transmission helps in diagnosing nerve-related conditions and in developing pain management therapies. It also illustrates how axon diameter plays a role in sensory experiences.

Conversion Factor

A conversion factor is a mathematical tool used to convert one set of units to another. In the context of axon conduction and pain information transmission, it's used to switch the speed of nerve signals from meters per second (m/sec) to miles per hour (mph).

Using conversion factors is essential when comparing speeds in different measurement systems or when wanting to contextualize these speeds with everyday familiar units.
For example:

• Given that 1 m/sec equals 2.24 mph, you can use this factor to easily transform any conduction speed measured in m/sec to mph.
• If a conduction rate is 5 m/sec, the equivalent in mph would be 5 m/sec times 2.24, resulting in 11.2 mph.
• This practical approach enhances understanding by allowing comparisons with known quantities, such as how fast a person walks or how fast a car drives.

The concept facilitates clearer comprehension in fields ranging from biology to physics by providing a tangible way to relate abstract scientific data to the daily human experience.