what are endorphins and how do they work?
2006-09-11 11:04:00 · 2 answers · asked by Jenny 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter in the brain that activate opiate receptors.... Basically, they will relieve intense pain during a physical injury (football player breaking an arm, but STILL happy/excited that he completed they play he doesn't feel the pain from the broken bone), and also during times of emotional stress, endorphins help produce a euphoria that allievates anxiety and saddness...
Most commonly, I"m sure you've heard that when you work out, your body release endorphins, give you a "endorphin high"... that by the end of your workout, you are not tired, but awake and energetic, and feel happier.
Endorphins are likened to the effects of opiates, which also induce pleasure sensors in the brain, but our natural endorphins are not addictive. There reason for this is because once the neurotrasmiter hits a neurons receptor, the body breaks the endorphin down, so they are not around long enough for the body to develop a dependency on them..
Anyways... hope this helps.... take a job, and you'll feel your endorphins at work!
2006-09-11 12:40:25 · answer #1 · answered by theviolet41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They work in times of pain, and terror. They keep the body calmer, and more pain free. ~~
2006-09-11 11:12:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋