prostaglandins
Fatty acid messengers
Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds produced throughout the body that regulate numerous physiological processes—inflammation, blood flow, blood clotting, and the contraction of smooth muscle.
They play key roles in fever, pain response, and childbirth.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen work partly by blocking prostaglandin synthesis.
Female reproductive organ
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- contractionsShortened word forms
- childbirthInfant's emergence from womb
- cervixUterine opening to vagina
dilation · induction · menstruation · dysmenorrhea · ovulation · implantation · parturition · oxytocin
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
- painBodily or emotional distress
- feverElevated body temperature
edema · cytokines · COX-2 · NSAIDs · ibuprofen · aspirin · histamine · anti-inflammatory
Lipids with phosphate groups
- COX-2Inducible prostaglandin synthase
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- enzymaticInvolving biological catalysts
- omega-6Polyunsaturated fatty acid class
Relaxation of vessel walls
- vasoconstrictionArterial walls contracting inward
- vascularOf blood vessels
- endotheliumCells lining blood vessels
- circulationMovement through a system
Increased responsiveness to stimuli
- analgesicPain-relieving medication
- headacheCranial pain
- migraineSevere neurological head pain
- dysmenorrheaPainful monthly bleeding condition
tenderness · cramping · soreness · throbbing · chronic · acute · neuralgia
Formation of new vessels
- granulationMaking into small grains
- fibroblastsCollagen-producing connective tissue cells
- collagenStructural body protein
- remodelingAltering existing structures
Moist organ lining
- bicarbonateAcid-neutralizing salt
- epithelialSurface-lining tissue type
- secretionSubstance released by glands
- duodenumInitial small intestine
uterus
Female reproductive organ
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- contractionsShortened word forms
- childbirthInfant's emergence from womb
cervix · dilation · induction · menstruation · dysmenorrhea · ovulation · implantation · parturition · oxytocin · effacement
swelling
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
- painBodily or emotional distress
fever · edema · cytokines · COX-2 · NSAIDs · ibuprofen · aspirin · histamine · anti-inflammatory · naproxen
phospholipids
Lipids with phosphate groups
- COX-2Inducible prostaglandin synthase
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- enzymaticInvolving biological catalysts
omega-6 · polyunsaturated · receptors · signaling · metabolites
vasodilation
Relaxation of vessel walls
- vasoconstrictionArterial walls contracting inward
- vascularOf blood vessels
- endotheliumCells lining blood vessels
sensitization
Increased responsiveness to stimuli
dysmenorrhea · tenderness · cramping · soreness · throbbing · chronic · acute · neuralgia
angiogenesis
Formation of new vessels
- granulationMaking into small grains
- fibroblastsCollagen-producing connective tissue cells
- collagenStructural body protein
remodeling · scarring · platelets · clotting
mucosa
Moist organ lining
- bicarbonateAcid-neutralizing salt
- epithelialSurface-lining tissue type
- secretionSubstance released by glands
- Biochemicalsamino acid, amino acids, protein, proteins, DNA
- chemical compoundsacetone, aldehydes, amines, esters, ketones
- childbirthcontractions, labor, pushing, dilation, birth
- irritantstear gas, pepper spray, CS gas, mace, bear spray
- abortifacientsmifepristone, methotrexate
- CytoprotectantsN-acetylcysteine, NAC, glutathione, antioxidants, ursodeoxycholic acid
prostaglandinsinsulin
Pancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
thyroxine · cortisol · estrogen · testosterone · growth hormone