neuropeptide
Brain's protein signal
A neuropeptide is a small protein-like molecule that neurons use to communicate with each other and with other cells in the body.
Unlike classical neurotransmitters, neuropeptides are larger molecules that typically act more slowly but with longer-lasting effects, influencing everything from pain perception to mood regulation.
Familiar examples include endorphins, which modulate pain and pleasure, and oxytocin, which affects social bonding and trust.
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- endorphinBody's natural analgesic
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
- electrochemicalInvolving electricity and chemistry
firing · propagation · excitation · inhibition · potentiation · plasticity · circuitry · modulation
Biological internal stability maintenance
- feedbackReturned response data
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
- secretionSubstance released by glands
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
upregulation · downregulation · activation · inhibition · pathway · cascade · phosphorylation · transcription
Desire for food
- satietyState of being full
- moodPrevailing emotional condition
- sleepRecurring unconscious repose
- rewardPayment for service
memory · analgesia · thermoregulation · anxiety · pleasure · arousal · motivation · attachment
Something that comes first
- synthesisCombining parts into whole
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- cleavageTendency to split cleanly
- sequenceOrdered succession of elements
structure · biochemistry · substrate · enzymatic · metabolism · macromolecule
oxytocin
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- endorphinBody's natural analgesic
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
electrochemical · firing · propagation · excitation · inhibition · potentiation · plasticity · circuitry · modulation · cascade
homeostasis
Biological internal stability maintenance
- feedbackReturned response data
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
- secretionSubstance released by glands
expression · upregulation · downregulation · activation · inhibition · pathway · cascade · phosphorylation · transcription · translation
appetite
Desire for food
reward · memory · analgesia · thermoregulation · anxiety · pleasure · arousal · motivation · attachment · neuroendocrine
precursor
Something that comes first
- synthesisCombining parts into whole
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- cleavageTendency to split cleanly
sequence · structure · biochemistry · substrate · enzymatic · metabolism · macromolecule
neuropeptidemonoamine
Single-amine compound
glutamate · GABA · acetylcholine · dopamine · serotonin
neuropeptidesteroid hormone
Cholesterol-based bodily regulator
cytokine · growth factor · nitric oxide · endocannabinoid · prostaglandin