Which statement correctly pairs a fiber type with its pain description?

Which statement correctly pairs a fiber type with its pain description?

• A. A-delta fibers: unmyelinated; dull pain
• B. C-fibers: myelinated; sharp pain
• C. A-delta fibers: myelinated; sharp, fast pain
• D. C-fibers: myelinated; dull pain

Answer: (C)

Pain fibers differ in myelination and conduction speed, which shapes how the pain feels and when it’s perceived. A-delta fibers are small-diameter and myelinated, so they conduct signals quickly and carry the initial, sharp, well-localized pain that occurs right after tissue injury. C fibers, by contrast, are unmyelinated and slower, producing a dull, aching, poorly localized pain that starts a bit later and lasts longer. The statement that correctly pairs a fiber type with its pain description is the one that says A-delta fibers are myelinated and carry sharp, fast pain. The other options mix up myelination and the quality of pain associated with each fiber type.

Pain fibers differ in myelination and conduction speed, which shapes how the pain feels and when it’s perceived. A-delta fibers are small-diameter and myelinated, so they conduct signals quickly and carry the initial, sharp, well-localized pain that occurs right after tissue injury. C fibers, by contrast, are unmyelinated and slower, producing a dull, aching, poorly localized pain that starts a bit later and lasts longer. The statement that correctly pairs a fiber type with its pain description is the one that says A-delta fibers are myelinated and carry sharp, fast pain. The other options mix up myelination and the quality of pain associated with each fiber type.