Neuropeptides that act as natural opiates include
a. Substance P
b. Somatostatin and cholecystokinin
c. Tachykinins
d. Enkephalins

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the term 'neuropeptides' — these are small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other. They often modulate pain and other physiological functions.

Step 2: Recognize that 'natural opiates' refer to endogenous substances in the body that bind to opioid receptors and produce effects similar to opiate drugs, such as pain relief.

Step 3: Review the options given: Substance P, Somatostatin and cholecystokinin, Tachykinins, and Enkephalins, and recall their primary functions in the nervous system.

Step 4: Identify which neuropeptides are known to act as natural opiates by binding to opioid receptors and modulating pain — these are typically enkephalins and related peptides.

Step 5: Conclude that among the options, enkephalins are the neuropeptides that act as natural opiates.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Neuropeptides

Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate. They modulate brain activity and influence various physiological functions such as pain, mood, and appetite. Unlike classical neurotransmitters, neuropeptides often act over longer distances and times.

Natural Opiates (Endogenous Opioids)

Natural opiates, or endogenous opioids, are neuropeptides produced by the body that bind to opioid receptors to reduce pain and induce feelings of euphoria. Examples include enkephalins, endorphins, and dynorphins, which mimic the effects of opiate drugs like morphine.

Enkephalins

Enkephalins are a type of endogenous opioid neuropeptide that bind to opioid receptors in the nervous system to inhibit pain signals. They act as natural painkillers and are involved in regulating nociception and stress responses.

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Match the names of the supporting cells found in column B with the appropriate descriptions in column A.

Column A

_______ (1) myelinates nerve fibers in the CNS

_______ (2) lines brain cavities

_______ (3) myelinates nerve fibers in the PNS

_______ (4) CNS phagocyte

________(5) helps regulate the ionic composition of CNS extracellular fluid

Column B

a. Astrocyte

b. Ependymal cell