National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of endorphins and enkephalins in the human body?

1. Combat stress and increase appetite

2. Combat pain and stress

3. Promote sleep and digestion

4. Enhance motor function

The correct answer is: Combat pain and stress

Endorphins and enkephalins are neuropeptides that play a critical role in the body's response to pain and stress. Their primary purpose is to modulate pain perception and produce feelings of pleasure or euphoria, which helps in managing physical discomfort and emotional stress. When the body experiences pain, these substances interact with the body's opioid receptors to inhibit pain signals and promote a sense of well-being. This natural pain relief system is essential for survival, enabling individuals to cope with injury and stress without being overly affected by pain, allowing them to seek help or find a means to escape a harmful situation. The other options suggest different functions that do not directly align with the primary roles of endorphins and enkephalins. For instance, while stress modulation is relevant, appetite regulation is not a main function of these neuropeptides. Similarly, promoting sleep and digestion or enhancing motor function are functions associated with other neurotransmitters and hormones in the body rather than the specific role of endorphins and enkephalins.