When the CNS responds to tissue damage by decreasing the pain threshold and increasing its sensitivity to pain, this is called ________.

A) referred pain
B) central sensitization
C) peripheral sensitization
D) cumulative sensitization
E) phantom pain

Pain Threshold

The minimum intensity of a stimulus that is perceived as painful, varying significantly among individuals and influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Referred Pain

A phenomenon where pain felt in a part of the body is actually caused by injury or illness elsewhere in the body.

Central Sensitization

A condition of the nervous system that is associated with the development and maintenance of chronic pain.