opioid system

the combination of delta, kappa, and mu opioid receptors found in the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Strongly involved in the experience of reward and the control of pain, this system is triggered both by opioids produced in the body (see endogenous opioid) and by naturally occurring or synthetic opioids administered exogenously.

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Psychology term of the day

November 23rd 2024

risk factor

a clearly defined behavior or constitutional (e.g., genetic), psychological, environmental, or other characteristic that is associated with an increased possibility or likelihood that a disease or disorder will subsequently develop in an individual. Compare protective factor.