Which of the following signals is known to enhance the perception of pain?

• A. Endorphin release in the spinal cord
• B. Descending facilitatory signals from the brainstem
• C. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
• D. Descending inhibitory signals from the brainstem

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that pain perception is modulated by various neural signals that can either enhance or inhibit the sensation of pain.
2. Recognize that endorphin release in the spinal cord typically acts to reduce pain by inhibiting pain signals, so it does not enhance pain perception.
3. Know that activation of the parasympathetic nervous system generally promotes relaxation and recovery, and is not associated with increasing pain perception.
4. Identify that descending inhibitory signals from the brainstem serve to suppress pain signals, thereby decreasing pain perception.
5. Focus on descending facilitatory signals from the brainstem, which are known to enhance or amplify the perception of pain by increasing the transmission of pain signals to the brain.