Exam #2 Vocabulary Flashcards
What is direct intercellular communication?
A process that allows cells to send information to each other locally (cell-to-cell coupling)
What is the function of ligands?
Ligands bind to a receptor expressed by a target cell and either produce a response in the target cell (agonist) or suppress a response (antagonist)
What is a neurotransmitter?
A type of ligand (chemical messenger) that carriers signals from 1 nerve cell to another, or to a muscle/gland cell.
What is a neurohormone?
A type of ligand (chemical messenger) and hormone produced by nerve cells and secreted into blood circulation.
What is a hormone?
A regulatory substance produced and transported in tissue fluids to stimulate specific cells/tissues into action.
What is an intracellular receptor?
Proteins found in the cytoplasm that bind to specific molecules and trigger changes in gene expression.
What is a cell membrane receptor?
A protein that is embedded in the cell plasma membrane.
What does the nervous system do?
Acts through electrical signals to control rapid responses of the body, as well as controlling higher functions.
What does the endocrine system do?
Acts by means of hormone movement in the blood to control and coordinate many of the body’s functions, like metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
What is hormonal stimulation?
The release of a hormone in response to another hormone.
What is humoral stimulation?
The release of a hormone in response to changes in the level of nutrient or ion in the blood.
What is nervous stimulation?
The release of a hormone in response to stimulation by the nervous system.
What are lipid soluble hormones?
Hormones that easily cross the plasma membrane and bind intracellular receptors in cytosol.
What are steroids?
What are water-soluble hormones?
What are biogenic amines?
What are peptides?
