Pain perception is the process by which our body detects and interprets harmful stimuli. When we experience an injury, specialized nerve endings called nociceptors send signals to the spinal cord and then to the brain. This allows us to recognize and respond to pain, which serves as a protective mechanism. The brain processes these signals and determines the intensity and quality of the pain. Factors such as emotions, previous experiences, and cultural background can influence how we perceive pain. This means that two people can experience the same injury but feel pain differently based on their individual circumstances.