What type of sensation is associated with C fibers?

What type of sensation is associated with C fibers?

• A. Paresthesias
• B. Numbness
• C. Diffuse and persistent burning, aching, throbbing
• D. Well localized sharp pain

Answer: (C)

C fibers carry slow, dull, burning, aching, and throbbing pain. These unmyelinated, slow-conducting nociceptors convey signals that are poorly localized and linger after tissue injury, producing that diffuse, persistent ache. In contrast, fast, sharp, well-localized pain is carried by myelinated A-delta fibers. Paresthesias or numbness describe abnormal or lost sensation, not the typical C-fiber–mediated dull pain.

C fibers carry slow, dull, burning, aching, and throbbing pain. These unmyelinated, slow-conducting nociceptors convey signals that are poorly localized and linger after tissue injury, producing that diffuse, persistent ache. In contrast, fast, sharp, well-localized pain is carried by myelinated A-delta fibers. Paresthesias or numbness describe abnormal or lost sensation, not the typical C-fiber–mediated dull pain.