Cellular Communication and Control

Endocrine control refers to the release of hormones into the bloodstream to exert their effects on distant target cells or tissues. Unlike neural control, which involves the release of neurotransmitters across a short distance, endocrine control is long-range and widespread throughout the body.

Neural control involves the release of neurotransmitters from a neuron, which then diffuse over a short distance to act on the post-synaptic target cell or effector cell. Its main characteristic is its localized effect, covering only a short distance.

Neuroendocrine control refers to the release of hormones from specialized neurons, known as neuroendocrine cells, into the bloodstream to reach their distant target cells. An example of a signaling molecule involved in neuroendocrine control is oxytocin.

<p>Autocrine control refers to a form of cell-cell communication where a cell releases signaling molecules that bind to receptors on its own surface, affecting its own behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Receptors are proteins present on the surface of target cells. The specificity of signaling molecules is determined by their specific binding to these receptors. Each signaling molecule has a unique shape that allows it to bind only to specific receptors, ensuring that the message is received by the correct target cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers