Activity of gate cannot be closed by non-pain signals
Substance P released into spinal cord does not activate other neurons that send messages through spinal gates
Pain signals must pass through a gate located in the spinal cord
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The Correct Option isD
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Core idea. Gate-control theory (Melzack \& Wall) proposes a {gating mechanism} in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord that modulates nociceptive input before it ascends \(\Rightarrow\) pain transmission is “gated” at the spinal level.
Step 2: Check options.
(A) False — the “gate” is a functional mechanism (interneuronal modulation), not a discrete physical gate.
(B) False — large-diameter touch/pressure fibers and descending pathways can {close} the gate (e.g., rubbing an injured area reduces pain).
(C) False — Substance P facilitates transmission to second-order neurons; it does not negate activation.
(D) True — nociceptive signals are modulated at a spinal “gate” before ascending. Final Answer: (D)