CVA Neurophysiology & Mechanisms of Acupuncture Action

Question 1

The gate control theory of pain suggests that acupuncture analgesia occurs primarily through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Activation of large-diameter Aβ fibers that inhibit pain transmission in the dorsal horn

Answer

Gate control theory proposes that large-diameter Aβ fiber activation in the dorsal horn closes the 'gate' to pain signals carried by smaller C and Aδ fibers, reducing pain transmission.

Question 2

Which endogenous opioid peptides are most directly responsible for acupuncture-induced analgesia?

Accepted Answer

Beta-endorphin, enkephalins, and dynorphins

Answer

Acupuncture stimulates the release of endogenous opioid peptides—beta-endorphin, enkephalins, and dynorphins—which bind mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors to produce analgesia.

Question 3

The 'De Qi' sensation experienced during acupuncture needling is primarily associated with stimulation of which nerve fiber types?

Accepted Answer

A-delta (Group III) and C (Group IV) sensory fibers in muscle

Answer

De Qi—the characteristic aching, distending sensation—is generated by activation of A-delta and C fibers in muscle tissue, which transmit signals initiating acupuncture's therapeutic cascade.

Question 4

Descending pain inhibitory pathways activated by acupuncture primarily originate from which brain regions?

Accepted Answer

Periaqueductal gray (PAG) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM)

Answer

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are the primary sources of descending pain inhibitory pathways activated by acupuncture to suppress dorsal horn nociception.

Question 5

In veterinary acupuncture, 'somatovisceral reflexes' are best described as:

Accepted Answer

Reflexes in which somatic stimulation via acupuncture points modulates internal organ function through spinal cord pathways

Answer

Somatovisceral reflexes occur when stimulation of somatic structures (skin, muscles) at acupuncture points sends signals through spinal cord pathways that modulate visceral organ function.

CVA - Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Practice Test

CVA - Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Practice Test

CVA Neurophysiology & Mechanisms of Acupuncture Action