What sensory neuron does capsaicin activate causing the body's "flush" sensation?
Answer
TRPV1
The characteristic spicy sensation and resulting physiological responses, such as the feeling of increased internal temperature often referred to as a 'flush,' are directly linked to the action of capsaicin on specific nerve cells. Capsaicin functions by binding to and activating a specific sensory neuron known as TRPV1. This activation sends a signal mimicking a response to actual heat, which consequently initiates a cascade of metabolic effects within the body. This mechanism is fundamental to understanding both the immediate sensory experience and the subsequent health benefits associated with capsaicinoids found in peppers.
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