Deep somatic pain that results from the activation of nociceptors of the mucosal linings, walls of hollow viscera, parenchyma of organs, glands, dental pulps, and vascular structures. These visceral structures may not respond to stimuli that normally evoke pain, such as cutting or burning are sensitive to distension (stretch), ischemia, and inflammation.
Pain caused by injury, disease, or inflammation of an internal organ. Caused only by certain stimuli (among them mechanical distension and ischemia), it can be evoked from only some of the internal organs. Many forms of visceral pain are normal defense reactions, but some diseases, including cancer, can also cause visceral pain.