Neurotransmitters and Hormones

Nervous and Endocrine Systems

• The nervous system utilizes neurotransmitters as chemical messengers to communicate rapidly between neurons.
• The endocrine system employs hormones as chemical messengers, coordinating longer-term bodily functions across various systems.

Functions of Hormones

• Hormones regulate numerous processes including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood.
• They play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis and affecting almost every cell in the body.

Hormonal Transport

• Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream, enabling them to travel throughout the body to reach target organs and tissues.
• Hormonal signaling can affect distant tissues unlike neurotransmitters which typically exert influence in nearby synapses.

Communication Speed Comparison

• Neurotransmitters communicate quickly (within milliseconds), allowing for immediate responses, such as muscle contractions.
• In contrast, hormones are slower-acting, often taking seconds to hours to exert their effects due to reliance on blood circulation and receptors' activation.