What type of nerves are responsible for feeling pain?

Sensory nerves are responsible for transmitting sensations, including pain, from various parts of the body to the brain. These nerves, also known as afferent nerves, carry signals that inform the brain about stimuli such as temperature, pressure, and pain. When tissue damage occurs or when there is a harmful stimulus, sensory receptors are activated, and these nerve signals inform the body of potential harm, prompting a response.

Motor nerves, conversely, are involved in sending signals from the brain to muscles, enabling movement. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions. The sympathetic system prepares the body for stressful situations (the “fight or flight” response), while the parasympathetic system calms the body down and conserves energy. These types of nerves do not primarily carry pain sensations, focusing instead on regulating automatic bodily functions. Thus, sensory nerves are specifically designated for feeling pain and are essential for alerting the body to potential harm.