Terms to BURN into your vocabulary to better understand this HOT topic:

• Action Potential: the potential difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of the neuron.

  
  

• Amplitude: the maximum value of a periodically varying quantity.

  
  

• Anion: an ion with one or more negative charges.

  
  

• Apoptosis: a series of genetically programmed events leading to cell death.

  
  

• Assay: a qualitative or quantitative analysis of a substance, especially of an ore or drug.

  
  

• Capsaicin: a compund that gives food the "hot" sensation when eaten. In the case of chiles, it is found majoritively in the seeds and the membranes.

  
  

• Casein: an enzyme found in milk products that disrupts the weak bonds between capsaicin and pain receptors.

  
  

• Cation: an ion with one or more positive charges.

  
  

• Decapeptide Substance P (DSP): a substance found in the synovial fluid of joints that can destroy cartilage and magnify the intensity of pain.

  
  

• DNA: (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) the fundamental hereditary material of all living organisms.

  
  

• Electrochemical Balance: the balance between the chemical charge inside and outside of the neuron.

  
  

• Hydrophillic: (Hydro = water; Phillia = love) having an affinity for water.

  
  

• Hydrophobic: (Hydro = water; Phobia = fear) molecules and amino acid side chains, mainly hydrocarbons, which are attracted to one another and reluctant to mix with water.

  
  

• Ion Channel: a protein structure found on the cell membrane that allows for the entry and exit of specific ions.

  
  

• Ligand: anything that binds to the receptor site of a molecule.

  
  

• Neuron: a cell characterized by a membrane potential that can change in response to stimuli; make junctions with other neuron, muscle, or gland cells.

  
  

• Nociceptor: a subgroup of sensory neurons that initiate the transmission of information, regarding tissue damage, to the brain.

  
  

• Permeable: having the properties of being able to allow molecules to flow; diffuse; penetrate through a membrane.

  
  

• Pharmacology: the science of drugs, including their composition, uses, and effects.

  
  

• RNA: (Ribonucleic Acid) includes tRNA, rRNA, and mRNA. involved in the transcription and translation of genetic information.

  
  

• Saturable: having the ability of thoroughly and completely soaking; imbuing; impregnating into something.

  
  

• Semipermeable: the nature of being permeable to select molecules of a mixture or solution, but not all.