AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter, or messenger in your body. They attach to your brain’s reward centers (opioid receptors) and carry signals across your nervous system. Endorphin comes from the words “endogenous, ” which means within the body, and “morphine, ” an opiate pain reliever.

Detailed explanation-2: -A neurotransmitter carries a message from one neuron to another (the receptor) in your central nervous system. Endorphins are inhibitory neurotransmitters, meaning they block other signals from occurring. Specifically, endorphins block pain signals.

Detailed explanation-3: -Neurotransmitters: Glutamate and Substance P SP transmits pain by secretion from nerves and inflammatory cells, and acts by binding to receptors called neurokinin-1 receptors (NK-1R) that are located on the nociceptive neurons on unmyelinated primary afferents, known as C fibers, to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

Detailed explanation-4: -Opioids are highly addictive, in large part because they activate powerful reward centers in your brain. Opioids trigger the release of endorphins, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Endorphins muffle your perception of pain and boost feelings of pleasure, creating a temporary but powerful sense of well-being.

Detailed explanation-5: -Boosting the body’s production of endorphins creates many of the same effects as opioid medications, without the risk of addiction. Both endorphins and opioids can connect to opioid receptors within the nervous system-because they have a similar molecular shape.