protopathic

American  

[proh-tuh-path-ik] / ˌproʊ təˈpæθ ɪk /

adjective

Physiology.

1. noting or pertaining to a general, nondiscriminating responsiveness to pain or temperature stimuli (epicritic ).

2. primitive; primary.

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protopathic British  

/ ˌprəʊtəˈpæθɪk, prəʊˈtɒpəθɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to a sensory nerve that perceives only coarse stimuli, such as pain

2. of or relating to such perception

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Other Word Forms

• protopathy noun

Etymology

Origin of protopathic

First recorded in 1855–60; proto- + -pathic

Example Sentences

The areas of epicritic and of protopathic insensibility are illustrated in Fig. 91.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

Purves Stewart says protopathic sensation is sometimes observed much earlier than in primary suture, because partial regeneration of axis cylinders in the peripheral segment has already taken place.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

Deep sensibility is usually lost over an area almost as extensive as that of protopathic insensibility.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

Hayem already turns the incomplete production of serum to account, for distinguishing protopathic pernicious anæmia from other severe anæmic conditions.

From Histology of the Blood Normal and Pathological by Myers, W.

The division of the nerve at the elbow, or even at the axilla, does not increase the extent of the loss of epicritic or protopathic sensibility, but usually affects deep sensibility.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis