Which term refers to natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure?

Which term refers to natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure?

• A. Resting potential
• B. Action potential
• C. Endorphins
• D. Threshold

Answer: (C)

Natural, opiate-like chemicals produced by the body are endorphins. They are endogenous opioid peptides released in the brain and pituitary that bind to opioid receptors, dampening pain signals and often creating a sense of pleasure or euphoria. This dual action links pain relief with rewarding feelings, which is why endorphins are associated with both pain control and pleasure. The other terms describe electrical properties of neurons: resting potential is the baseline charge when a neuron isn’t firing, the action potential is the electrical spike that travels along the neuron when it fires, and threshold is the minimum stimulus needed to trigger that spike. Those are about electrical signaling, not the body's internal pain-relief chemicals.

Natural, opiate-like chemicals produced by the body are endorphins. They are endogenous opioid peptides released in the brain and pituitary that bind to opioid receptors, dampening pain signals and often creating a sense of pleasure or euphoria. This dual action links pain relief with rewarding feelings, which is why endorphins are associated with both pain control and pleasure. The other terms describe electrical properties of neurons: resting potential is the baseline charge when a neuron isn’t firing, the action potential is the electrical spike that travels along the neuron when it fires, and threshold is the minimum stimulus needed to trigger that spike. Those are about electrical signaling, not the body's internal pain-relief chemicals.