How do morphine, heroin, and other opiates affect the nervous system?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Morphine, heroin, and other opiates bind to and activate receptors in the brain that normally respond to endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that naturally reduce pain and produce feelings of pleasure. By mimicking endorphins, these drugs activate the brain's reward centers and inhibit the transmission of pain signals, leading to feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Prolonged use of these drugs can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. They do not distort the shape of the axon membrane, decrease the supply of blood to the cerebral cortex, or increase the number of sodium ions in the brain.

How Do Morphine, Heroin, and Other Opiates Affect the Nervous