The endocrine system, distinct from the nervous system, uses hormones delivered through the blood to target all cells in the body, regulating various processes like metabolism, muscle contraction, and growth. Hormones bind to specific receptors on target cells, triggering responses like changing cell permeability and causing muscle contractions, with regulation involving negative feedback to reduce further release signals.
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The endocrine system and the nervous system differ in their methods of communication: the nervous system uses neurotransmitters for rapid, localized responses, while the endocrine system employs hormones that travel through the bloodstream to affect all cells in the body.
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, immune system activities, and muscle contraction, by binding to specific receptors on target cells and triggering intracellular responses through signal transduction pathways, ultimately influencing cellular actions and maintaining internal balance.
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Recent questions
How do hormones differ from neurotransmitters?
Hormones travel through blood, while neurotransmitters act locally.