A person touches a stove, withdraws his or her hand, and then yells. Why does the yelling occur after the hand is withdrawn? Does the person become aware of pain before the hand is withdrawn?

Answer 1

The withdrawal is a reflexive (spinal level) response, not requiring the impulse to reach the brain before the withdrawal occurs. The yell requires input to the brain itself.

What criterion are you using to indicate awareness — the response of withdrawal or some conscious thought? The conscious thought would take slightly more time than the withdrawal.

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

Answer 2

Because it is an aftershock.