The endocannabinoid system is a group of G protein-coupled receptors that are in
ID: 224863 • Letter: T
Question
The endocannabinoid system is a group of G protein-coupled receptors that are involved in appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. Normally, these receptors are stimulated by endocannabinoids produced by the human body; however, plant cannabinoids (such as THC from the cannabis plant) can also stimulate these receptors. a. Where in the body (what organ system or type of cells) would you expect to find receptors of the endocannabinoid system? b. Why do you think THC is able to stimulate the receptor even though humans do not produce it?Explanation / Answer
(a)The endocannabinoid systems are comprised of a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors and are found to be located in the mammalian brain. And these receptors are found throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. Important two cannabinoid receptors are CBI (is found in the nervous system, glands, organs, connective tissues and gonads) and CB2 (is found in the immune system)
(b)As the THC's chemical structure is very much similar to the brain chemical anandamine, that is the reason why our body will recognize the THC and when this binds to receptors located on the neurons in the brain, it will activate them, results in mental and physical functions disruptions, it can alter our normal brain functions.
Like anandamine, the THC also will try to work as neurotransmitters and will send the chemical signals between the nerve cells thus affecting the whole nervous system and thus will have effect on movement, coordination, thinking, concentration, pleasure, time and sensory reception etc.
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