Central Neural Mechanisms that Interrelate Sensory and Affective Dimensions of Pain

Ascending pathways, subcortical structures, and cerebral cortical structures involved in processing pain. PAG, periaqueductal grey; PB, parabrachial nucleus of the dorsolateral pons; Vmpo, ventromedial part of the posterior nuclear complex; MDvc, ventrocaudal part of the medial dorsal nucleus;VPL, ventroposterior lateral nucleus; ACC, anterior cingulate cortex; PCC, posterior cingulate cortex; HY, hypothalamus; S₁ and S₂ , first and second somatosensory cortical areas; PPC, posterior parietal complex; SMA, supplementary motor area; AMYG, amygdala; PF, prefrontal cortex.