NEUROPEPTIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Neuropeptide refers to a class of small protein molecules that function as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators in the nervous system. These peptides are produced and released by neurons, the specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses. Neuropeptides play a crucial role in regulating various physiological and behavioral processes, such as pain perception, mood, appetite, and stress response.
Structurally, neuropeptides are chains of amino acids that are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus within the neurons. They are then transported to the neuronal terminals where they are stored in specialized vesicles until they are released into the synaptic cleft during neuronal signaling. Neuropeptides bind to specific receptors on the target cells, triggering a series of cellular responses that influence the function of these cells.
Neuropeptides are diverse in their composition and function, with numerous unique neuropeptides identified in the human nervous system. Examples include substance P, which is involved in pain transmission, endorphins that regulate pain perception and mood, and oxytocin that plays a role in social bonding and maternal behavior.
Dysregulation or deficiency of neuropeptides has been associated with various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Research on neuropeptides has contributed to our understanding of the molecular basis of neuronal signaling and has led to the development of therapeutic approaches that target neuropeptide receptors for the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Common Misspellings for NEUROPEPTIDE
- beuropeptide
- meuropeptide
- jeuropeptide
- heuropeptide
- nwuropeptide
- nsuropeptide
- nduropeptide
- nruropeptide
- n4uropeptide
- n3uropeptide
- neyropeptide
- nehropeptide
- nejropeptide
- neiropeptide
- ne8ropeptide
- ne7ropeptide
- neueopeptide
- neudopeptide
- neufopeptide
- neutopeptide
Etymology of NEUROPEPTIDE
The word "Neuropeptide" is composed of two parts: "neuro-" and "peptide".
1. The prefix "neuro-" derives from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve". It is commonly used in scientific and medical terminology to refer to anything related to the nervous system.
2. The term "peptide" originates from the Greek word "peptos", which means "digested" or "broken down". It refers to a chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds.
Therefore, "neuropeptide" can be understood as a compound word combining "neuro-" to indicate its relation to the nervous system and "peptide" to describe its chemical structure as a chain of amino acids.
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