Physiology · Nervous System · Easy
Endorphin
Meaning: A natural opioid-like peptide released in the brain that reduces pain and produces feelings of wellbeing.
In practice: Runners often describe a mood lift attributed to endorphin release during exercise.
Word parts
- endo- means inside
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related physiology words.
Which word means: A protein that lies along actin filaments and blocks myosin binding sites when muscle is relaxed.
Answer: Tropomyosin
Which word means: Yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of haem in old red blood cells.
Answer: Bilirubin
Words like endorphin come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.