Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response of the body. It is responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. COX-2 is often expressed in response to inflammatory stimuli, making it a target for pain relief medications. Unlike its counterpart, Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), which is involved in maintaining normal physiological functions, COX-2 is primarily associated with pathological conditions. Inhibitors of COX-2, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.