4 mechanism of intercellular communication to preserve homeostasis

What facilitates direct communication between adjacent cells of the same type?

Gap junctions

What are the substances that can pass through gap junctions?

Ions, small solutes, and lipid-soluble materials

What is the primary medium for paracrine communication?

Extracellular fluid

What is paracrine communication limited to?

Local areas

What type of communication occurs across synapses?

Synaptic communication

What molecules are primarily involved in synaptic communication?

Neurotransmitters

How is synaptic communication restricted in terms of area?

Limited to a very specific area (axon to dendrite)

What is the primary medium for endocrine communication?

Bloodstream

What are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream called?

Hormones

What are the cells that respond to hormones known as?

Target cells

What type of glands produce hormones and secrete them directly into the bloodstream?

Endocrine glands

What is the scientific study of hormones and the endocrine organs called?

Endocrinology

What type of communication has effects that can occur over long distances?

Endocrine communication

What is a characteristic of hormones compared to neurotransmitters?

Hormones act over longer distances than neurotransmitters.

What is the role of target cells in relation to hormones?

Target cells have unique receptors that respond to specific hormones.