In human physiology, the body's natural pain controlling chemicals released by the brain are called what?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Endorphins

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The human nervous system uses many chemical messengers to control mood, pain, alertness, and other sensations. A very famous group of natural pain controlling chemicals are sometimes called the body's own painkillers. Questions about these substances appear in general science, psychology, and biology exams to test basic knowledge of brain chemistry.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question asks specifically about chemicals that control or reduce pain.
  • We are dealing with normal body produced substances, not external medicines.
  • Options include endorphins, neural regulators, and several hormone or mediator names.
  • Standard physiological terminology is assumed.


Concept / Approach:
Endorphins are a group of neuropeptides produced by the brain and nervous system. Their name comes from "endogenous morphine" because they act on the same receptors as opiate drugs to reduce the sensation of pain and can produce feelings of well being. They are released during stress, exercise, and certain emotional states. Other substances like androgens, histamines, and adrenaline have different primary roles and are not mainly responsible for pain control.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify which option names a chemical group known for pain relief.Step 2: Recall that endorphins are widely described as the body's natural painkillers.Step 3: Compare this with option A, which exactly names endorphins.Step 4: Note that neural regulators is a vague term that could describe many neurotransmitters but is not the standard answer to this specific question.Step 5: Androgens are male sex hormones, histamines are involved in allergic responses, and adrenaline mainly prepares the body for fight or flight, so none of these are primarily pain controlling chemicals.


Verification / Alternative check:
Popular science articles and textbooks often mention the "runner high" associated with increased endorphin release after intense exercise, highlighting their role in pain reduction and feelings of euphoria. Medical and psychology dictionaries also define endorphins as endogenous opioid peptides that reduce pain perception. These independent sources confirm that endorphins is the accepted term for the body's natural pain controlling chemicals.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, neural regulators, is too general and is not a specific name for any one group of chemicals. Option C, androgens, refers to hormones like testosterone that regulate male reproductive development and related functions, not pain control. Option D, histamines, are involved in inflammatory and allergic responses and actually cause symptoms such as itching rather than pain relief. Option E, adrenaline, increases heart rate and blood pressure and prepares the body for emergency action, but it is not primarily described as a pain controlling chemical.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners see technical sounding words like neural regulators and assume they must be the answer, even if the term is vague. Others may confuse the roles of different hormones because they all act as chemical messengers. Remembering that endorphins are specifically called endogenous morphine for their pain reducing effect can help fix this concept clearly in memory.


Final Answer:
The body's natural pain controlling chemicals are called Endorphins.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion