Compared to pain fibers, fibers that carry signals about temperature and touch are generally:

The correct answer indicates that fibers carrying signals about temperature and touch are generally thicker and faster than pain fibers. In the nervous system, different types of sensory fibers have distinct properties that affect how quickly they can transmit signals.

Touch and temperature sensations are typically carried by myelinated fibers, which are thicker and have a protective sheath made of myelin. This myelination facilitates faster transmission of nerve impulses through a process called saltatory conduction. In contrast, pain signals, particularly those that convey sharp or acute pain, are often carried by thinner, unmyelinated fibers. These fibers transmit pain signals more slowly, which can be perceived as a dull, aching sensation.

Thus, the thicker and faster fibers associated with touch and temperature sensations allow for quicker responses to external stimuli, enhancing one's ability to interact with the environment and maintain safety.