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How do pain relievers work? - George Zaidan

4,028,746 Views

25,032 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Some people take aspirin or ibuprofen to treat everyday aches and pains, but how exactly do the different classes of pain relievers work? Learn about the basic physiology of how humans experience pain, and the mechanics of the medicines we've invented to block or circumvent that discomfort.

Watch Think 5 Multiple Choice &
3 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More

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Why might aspirin and ibuprofen reduce fever?

a

Because COX-1 and COX-2 raise our body temperature

b

Because prostaglandin H2 raises our body temperature

c

Because arachidonic acid raises our body temperature

d

Because prostaglandin H2 is converted into stuff that raises our body temperature

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Meet The Creators

Producer Aaron Augenblick, Lisa Thomas
Educator George Zaidan
Director Hal Lee
Animator Iona Nistor
Narrator George Zaidan