Final answer:
The correct answer is option b. Chemicals that block the transmission of pain to the brain are endogenous opiates, which are naturally occurring opioid compounds in the body. These substances are similar to opioid drugs but have a high potential for abuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemicals released by the body that block the release or uptake of neurotransmitters necessary to transmit pain sensations to the brain are known as endogenous opiates. Endogenous opiates are opioid compounds produced naturally by the body which bind to opioid receptors to reduce pain and produce euphoria. In the body, these opiates function similarly to opioid drugs, which mimic the endogenous painkilling mechanism of the body but have a high potential for abuse.
Natural opioids, known as opiates, are derived from the opium poppy, while synthetic versions, correctly called opioids, have been created for their potent painkilling effects. It's important to understand that such substances can affect pain perception through various mechanisms, which may involve the modulation of neurotransmitters and receptors associated with nociception, or the sensation of pain caused by potentially damaging stimuli. The appropriate use and management of opioid medications is crucial due to the potential for misuse and abuse, as highlighted by public health concerns regarding prescription pain killers like hydrocodone and oxycodone.
The correct answer to the question is: b. Endogenous opiates.