ENKEPHALINS Meaning and
Definition
-
Enkephalins are a class of endogenous opioids, which are naturally occurring substances produced by the body. These small neuropeptides are derived from proenkephalin, a precursor molecule, and act as neurotransmitters in the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are primarily found in areas of the brain associated with pain perception, mood regulation, and stress response.
Enkephalins bind to specific opioid receptors in the body, primarily the mu-opioid receptors, which are located in various regions of the brain and spinal cord. When enkephalins interact with these receptors, they can produce analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, as well as modulate other physiological processes such as mood, reward, and respiration.
The release of enkephalins is often triggered by stressful stimuli or pain signals, acting as a natural mechanism to dampen pain sensations and promote a sense of well-being. They are considered endogenous painkillers, serving to regulate and alleviate pain under normal physiological conditions.
Enkephalins are highly potent and have been found to be involved in various physiological processes beyond pain regulation, including the regulation of mood, stress, reward, and addiction. Their role in modulating pain perception and other behavioral and physiological processes has made them a target for therapeutic interventions, such as the development of opioid medications or treatments for pain management and mood disorders.
Common Misspellings for ENKEPHALINS
- encephalins
- wnkephalins
- snkephalins
- dnkephalins
- rnkephalins
- 4nkephalins
- 3nkephalins
- ebkephalins
- emkephalins
- ejkephalins
- ehkephalins
- enjephalins
- enmephalins
- enlephalins
- enoephalins
- eniephalins
- enkwphalins
- enksphalins
- enkdphalins
- enkrphalins
Etymology of ENKEPHALINS
The word "enkephalins" is derived from the Greek words "en", meaning "in", and "kephalē", meaning "head". The term was coined in the 1970s to describe a group of naturally occurring peptides found in the brain and spinal cord that have pain-relieving properties. These peptides bind to opioid receptors in the nervous system, helping to reduce the perception of pain.
Similar spelling words for ENKEPHALINS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
