endocannabinoid
Body's own cannabinoid
Endocannabinoids are chemical compounds the body produces naturally that bind to the same receptors as cannabinoids from cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system regulates mood, appetite, pain, and memory.
Researchers are studying how endocannabinoids affect inflammation.
The prefix endo- means within—these are the body's own cannabis-like molecules.
Nerve signal crossing point
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
- brainSeat of cognition
- neurotransmissionNerve cell chemical communication
- neuroprotectionSafeguarding neurons from damage
presynaptic · hippocampus · amygdala · hypothalamus · basal ganglia · cerebellum · glutamate · GABA
Biological internal stability maintenance
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
- appetiteDesire for food
- sleepRecurring unconscious repose
immune function · inflammation · stress response · metabolism · body temperature · mood regulation · memory · reward system
Molecule that binds centrally
- agonistReceptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- bindingLegally or morally required
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
State of being unwound
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- stress reliefReduction of mental tension
- calmFree from agitation
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
pain relief · sleep quality · exercise-induced · runner's high · therapeutic · well-being
Water-insoluble organic compound
- neuromodulatorSubstance modifying neural transmission
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- degradationDecline in condition
- hydrolysisWater-induced bond cleavage
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- neuronImpulse-conducting cell
- brainSeat of cognition
- neurotransmissionNerve cell chemical communication
neuroprotection · presynaptic · hippocampus · amygdala · hypothalamus · basal ganglia · cerebellum · glutamate · GABA · dopamine
homeostasis
Biological internal stability maintenance
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
- appetiteDesire for food
sleep · immune function · inflammation · stress response · metabolism · body temperature · mood regulation · memory · reward system · energy balance
ligand
Molecule that binds centrally
- agonistReceptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- bindingLegally or morally required
relaxation
State of being unwound
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- stress reliefReduction of mental tension
- calmFree from agitation
euphoria · pain relief · sleep quality · exercise-induced · runner's high · therapeutic · well-being
lipid
Water-insoluble organic compound
- neuromodulatorSubstance modifying neural transmission
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- degradationDecline in condition