Referred pain

Definition

Referred pain is a phenomenon where pain is perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus. It occurs because of the network of interconnecting sensory nerves, which can confuse the central nervous system about the origin of the pain.

Related terms

Autonomic Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions and regulates physiological functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.

Sensory Neurons: Nerve cells that are responsible for converting external stimuli from the organism's environment into internal electrical impulses.

Homeostasis: The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions