There are four different types of first-order neurons.

a* and A* are large-diameter afferents that have a

high (fast) conduction velocity, and A* and C fibers are small-diameter fibers with low (slow)
conduction velocity.
econd-order afferent fibers carry sensory messages up the spinal cord to the brain. econd-order
afferent fibers are categori!ed as wide dynamic range or noniceptive specific. The wide dinamyc range
second-order afferents receive input from A*, A*, and C fibers. These second-order afferents serve
relatively large, overlapping receptor fields. The nociceptive specific second-order afferents respond
e"clusively to no"ious stimulation. They receive input only from A* and C* fibers. These afferents
serve smller receptor fields that do not overlap. All of these neurons synapse with third-order neurons.
#hich carry information to varios brain centers where the input is integrated, interpreted, and acted
upon.
$AC%&%TAT'( A)* %)+%,%T'( '$ -)A.T%C T(A)/%%')
$or information to pass between neurons, a transmitter substance must be released from the end of ane
neuron terminal (presynaptic membrane), enter the synaptic cleft, and attach to a receptor site on ne"t
neuron (possynaptic membrane). %n the past, all the activity within the synapse was attribute to
neurotransmitters, such a acetycholine. The neurotransmitters, when released in suffficient 0uantities,
are 1nown to cause depolari!ation of the postsynaptic neuron. %n the absence of the neurotransmitter,
no depolari!ation occurs.
%t is now apparent that several compound that are not true neurotransmitter can facilitate or inhibit
synaptic activity. erotonin, norephinephrine, en1ephalin, *-endorphin, and supstance . are each
important in the body2s pain control mechanism.