Periaqueductal Gray (PAG)

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

AKA

Periaqueductal Gray Matter (PAGM)

Anatomy

• Surrounds cerebral aqueduct

Function

• Primary Control center for Descending pain modulation / Analgesia:
  • Produces: Enkephalin or Dynorphin = Suppress pain
  • Pain bypasses Thalamus & limbic system
  • Critical in ANS responses
  • Behavioral responses to threats

Output

Sends nerves to the Locus coeruleus to increase activation and therefore release of Norepinephrine