PC1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Pineal Gland, Paracrine Signalling, Negative Feedback
Document Summary
Comparison of control by the nervous and endocrine systems: The nervous and endocrine systems act together to coordinate all systems of the body. Most hormones circulate through the blood and bind receptors on "target cells". Neurotransmitters also bind to receptors on "target" cells. They do not have ducts and secrete their hormones directly into the interstitial fluid that surrounds them. The hormones diffuse into the blood stream through capillaries and are carried to target cells throughout the body. carried to target cells throughout the body. Endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pineal glands. Organs and tissues that are not a part of the endocrine system also secrete hormones. Hypothalamus, thymus, pancreas, ovaries, testes, kidneys, stomach, liver, small intestine, skin, heart, adipose tssue and placenta. Hormones travelling throughout the body will only affect target cells that possess specific protein receptors. Receptors are continually being synthesised and broken down.
