While the nervous system uses neurotransmitters as its chemical signals, the endocrine system uses hormones. The pancreas, kidneys, heart, adrenal glands, gonads, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, and even fat are all sources of hormones.
The endocrine system works in large part by acting on neurons in the brain, which controls the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secretes factors into the blood that act on the endocrine glands to either increase or decrease hormone production. This is referred to as a feedback loop, and it involves communication from the brain to the pituitary to an endocrine gland and back to the brain. This system is very important for the activation and control of basic behavioral activities, such as sex; emotion; responses to stress; and eating, drinking, and the regulation of body functions, including growth, reproduction, energy use, and metabolism.
The way the brain responds to hormones indicates that the brain is very malleable and capable of responding to environmental signals. The brain contains receptors for thyroid hormones those produced by the thyroid and the six classes of steroid hormones, which are synthesized from cholesterol — androgens, estrogens, progestins, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and vitamin D. The receptors are found in selected populations of neurons in the brain and relevant organs in the body.
Thyroid and steroid hormones bind to receptor proteins that in turn bind to DNA and regulate the action of genes. This can result in long-lasting changes in cellular structure and function. The brain has receptors for many hormones; for example, the metabolic hormones insulin, insulin-like growth factor, ghrelin, and leptin. Steroids These hormones are synthesized from cholesterol. What are Neurotransmitters?
The following are the two classifications regarding the facilitation of ion flow: Excitatory Neurotransmitters Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate the brain and are somewhat overactive. Inhibitory Neurotransmitters Inhibitory neurotransmitters help create balance by calming the brain. Neurotransmitters are also classified according to chemical or molecular structure: Small molecule neurotransmitters These neurotransmitters are synthesized locally within the axon terminal and are smaller than neuropeptides.
Such neurotransmitters include the following: Amino acid neurotransmitters: GABA, glycine, and glutamate Biogenic amines: dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, and histamine Purinergic neurotransmitters: ATP Adenosine triphosphate , and adenosine Acetylcholine does not belong to any structural category Neuropeptides These neurotransmitters are known to be larger compared to the molecule neurotransmitters as their structure is made up of three or more amino acids.
Such neurotransmitters include the following: Endorphins Enkephalins Oxytocin Vasopressin Insulin Glucagon Difference between Hormones and Neurotransmitters Organ System Hormones are produced by the endocrine system while neurotransmitters are produced by the nervous system.
Mode of Transmission Hormones relay signals through the circulatory system blood stream while neurotransmitters communicate signal across synaptic clefts. Transmission Distance Since hormones are transmitted through the blood stream, these act on distant sites from where these are produced. Function of Hormone vs Neurotransmitter Hormones have diverse functions that affect physiological processes such as growth and development, metabolism, mood, sexual function, reproduction, etc.
Capability Hormones regulate specific organs and tissues while the capability of neurotransmitters is humbler as they merely stimulate postsynaptic neurons. Hormone vs Neurotransmitter: Comparison Chart Summary of Hormone verses Neurotransmitter Both hormones and neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers in the body. Hormones are chemical substances such as oxytocin, melatonin, estrogen, and testosterone which released by cells into the extracellular fluids to regulate the metabolic function of other cells and are produced by the endocrine system.
Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals such as dopamine, glutamate, endorphin, and serotonin that send signals across a chemical synapse from one nerve cell to the other. The organ system of hormones is the endocrine system while that of neurotransmitters is the nervous system. Hormones are conveyed via the blood stream while neurotransmitters are transmitted across the synaptic cleft.
Neurotransmitters are generally transmitted faster than hormones. The transmission distance of hormones is farther as compared to that of neurotransmitters. Hormones are classified into acid-based or steroids while neurotransmitters may be classified according to ion flow facilitation excitatory and inhibitory as well as according to structure small molecule and neuropeptides. Hormones regulate the target organs and tissues while neurotransmitters stimulate postsynaptic neurons.
The Nervous System is Regulated by two Parts —. Brain and spinal cord are the two parts of CNS. As per the transmitted information through the neurons, the brain develops command for the rest of the body. The spinal cord works as the connector between the brain and the other parts of the body. The SNS controls reflexes like pulling hands from a hot surface and other voluntary activities like movements of muscles. The ANS regulates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
Also, this system controls activities that are not under conscious control. The endocrine system controls the operations of organs and cells by using chemical signals. This chemical signals pass through the blood and is called hormones. In an emergency like a fight or fight. Controls immunity and metabolism. Controls metabolism. The neural communication systems is built on billions of interconnected cells called neurons which communicate by exchanging chemicals, most of which are triggered through electrical stimulation produced by specific stimuli.
The endocrine system provides another communication system which is carried by hormones synthesized by glands distributed in different places throughout the human body, one of which is actually in the brain: the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secretes many hormones, especially some that actually control the production of other hormones.
Both systems constitute the major ways by which our body is regulated. Both are interconnected and do interface in complex ways. The neural system directly controls the production of many hormones. Likewise, some hormones act as neuromodulators which affect the nature of synaptic connections between neurons. There are, however, important functions that make both communication systems distinct and explain why one system may offer advantages or disadvantages over the other.
0コメント