Group C nerve fiber

Group C nerve fibers are one of three classes of nerve fiber in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The C group fibers are unmyelinated and have a small diameter and low conduction velocity. They include Postganglionic fibers in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and nerve fibers at the dorsal roots (IV fiber). These fibers carry sensory information.

Damage or injury to nerve fibers causes neuropathic pain. Capsaicin activates C fibers Vanilloid receptors, giving chili peppers a hot sensation.

Structure and anatomy

Location

C fibers are one class of nerve fiber found in the nerves of the somatic sensory system. They are afferent fibers, conveying input signals from the periphery to the central nervous system.

Structure

C fibers are unmyelinated unlike most other fibers in the nervous system. This lack of myelination is the cause of their slow conduction velocity, which is on the order of no more than 7000200000000000000♠2 m/s. C fibers are on average 0.2-1.5 μm in diameter.