[06] General Principles of Neural and Hormonal Communication

Question 1

What are the two main types of communication in human physiology?

Answer 1

• Neural communication
• Hormonal communication

Question 2

What is “neural communication” in the context of human physiology?

Answer 2

The process by which neurons (nerve cells) send and receive signals.

Question 3

What is “hormonal communication” in the context of human physiology?

Answer 3

The process by which hormones are released by glands and travel in the bloodstream to reach target cells.

Question 4

What are the main parts of a neuron involved in neural communication?

Answer 4

• Cell body
• Dendrites
• Axon

Question 5

What is the role of the “cell body” in a neuron?

Answer 5

It contains the nucleus and other organelles, and directs the synthesis of substances such as proteins.

Question 6

What is the role of “dendrites” in a neuron?

Answer 6

They receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

Question 7

What is the role of the “axon” in a neuron?

Answer 7

It carries signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Question 8

How is a signal transmitted along a neuron?

Answer 8

Through a change in electrical potential along the axon known as an action potential.

Question 9

What is an “action potential” in the context of neural communication?

Answer 9

A brief reversal of electrical charge along the membrane of a neuron, which propagates along the axon.

Question 10

What is a “synapse” in the context of neural communication?

Answer 10

A structure that allows a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell.

Question 11

What are “neurotransmitters” in the context of neural communication?

Answer 11

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Question 12

What is a “gland” in the context of hormonal communication?

Answer 12

An organ that produces and releases substances (hormones) into the bloodstream.

Question 13

What is a “hormone” in the context of hormonal communication?

Answer 13

A chemical messenger that is transported by the bloodstream and acts on specific target cells to produce a specific effect.

Question 14

How do hormones act on target cells?

Answer 14

By binding to specific receptors on the surface or inside the target cells, triggering a response.

Question 15

What is a “receptor” in the context of hormonal communication?

Answer 15

A protein on or inside a cell that a hormone binds to, triggering a specific response in the cell.

Question 16

How are neural and hormonal communication similar?

Answer 16

Both involve the transmission of signals from one cell to another to coordinate physiological functions.

Question 17

How are neural and hormonal communication different?

Answer 17

Neural communication is typically faster and more targeted, while hormonal communication is generally slower and can affect many cells throughout the body.