ENCEPHALIN Meaning and
Definition
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Encephalin is a term used in the field of neuroscience to refer to a group of naturally occurring peptides, or small protein-like molecules, that function as neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. These peptides, including met-enkephalin and leu-enkephalin, are responsible for regulating pain perception, mood, and other physiological processes.
Encephalins are produced by certain neurons, or specialized cells, within the brain and spinal cord. They are derived from larger precursor proteins and are broken down into smaller peptides once released into the synaptic gaps between neurons. Encephalins exert their effects by interacting with specific receptors on the surfaces of target neurons.
The primary role of encephalins is pain modulation. They act by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting the transmission of pain signals to areas involved in pain perception. This mechanism of action is similar to that of morphine and other opioids. Encephalins also have regulatory effects on mood and emotions, influencing sensations of pleasure and reward.
Research has shown that imbalances of encephalin function may contribute to various neurological disorders, including chronic pain conditions and mood disorders such as depression. Consequently, encephalins and their receptors have become important targets for therapeutic interventions, including the development of medications that can modulate their activity.
In summary, encephalins are a group of peptides produced in the central nervous system that play a crucial role in pain modulation and mood regulation.
Common Misspellings for ENCEPHALIN
- ensephalon
- enkephalin
- wncephalin
- sncephalin
- dncephalin
- rncephalin
- 4ncephalin
- 3ncephalin
- ebcephalin
- emcephalin
- ejcephalin
- ehcephalin
- enxephalin
- envephalin
- enfephalin
- endephalin
- encwphalin
- encsphalin
- encdphalin
- encrphalin
Etymology of ENCEPHALIN
The word "encephalin" is derived from two roots: "encephalo-" and "-in".
1. "Encephalo-" is derived from the Greek word "enkephalos", which means brain. This root is common in several medical terms related to the brain, such as encephalopathy (brain disorder) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
2. The suffix "-in" is used to form nouns in English, especially when denoting a substance, protein, or hormone. It is derived from the Latin suffix "-inus" meaning "made of" or "relating to".
Combining these two roots, "encephalin" is a term used to describe certain substances or peptides that are found in the brain. Specifically, encephalins are a type of endorphin that act as neurotransmitters—chemical messengers in the central nervous system.
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