Endorphins reduce what sensation?

Endorphins reduce what sensation?

• A. Pleasure
• B. Pain
• C. Sleep
• D. Hunger

Answer: (B)

Endorphins act as the brain’s natural analgesics. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, especially mu receptors, and dampen pain signaling. By inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters like substance P from pain-sensing neurons and activating descending pain-inhibitory pathways, they raise the pain threshold and lessen how strongly pain is felt. Sleep and hunger are controlled by other systems, and while endorphins can influence mood, their direct, primary effect in this context is to reduce the sensation of pain.

Endorphins act as the brain’s natural analgesics. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, especially mu receptors, and dampen pain signaling. By inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters like substance P from pain-sensing neurons and activating descending pain-inhibitory pathways, they raise the pain threshold and lessen how strongly pain is felt. Sleep and hunger are controlled by other systems, and while endorphins can influence mood, their direct, primary effect in this context is to reduce the sensation of pain.