Aim: How do cells of the body communicate?

1.2j Receptor molecules play an important role in the interactions between cells. Two primary agents of cellular communication are hormones, and chemicals produced by nerve cells, neuroreceptors. If nerve or hormone signals are blocked, cellular communication is disrupted and the organisms stability is affected.

Cell Communication

Endocrine Glands produce Hormones (chemicals)

Section 39-1

Endocrine Glands
Hypothalamus The hypothalamus makes hormones that control the pituitary gland. In addition, it makes hormones that are stored in the pituitary gland. Pituitary gland The pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate many of the other endocrine glands. Parathyroid glands These four glands release parathyroid hormone, which regulate the level of calcium in the blood. Thymus During childhood, the thymus releases thymosin, which stimulates Tcell development. Pineal gland The pineal gland releases melatonin, which is involved in rhythmic activities, such as daily sleep-wake cycles.

Thyroid The thyroid produces thyroxine, which regulates metabolism. Pancreas The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, which regulate the level of glucose in the blood.

Ovary The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is required for the development of secondary sex characteristics and for the development of eggs. Progesterone prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg.

Adrenal glands The adrenal glands release epinephrine and nonepinephrine, which help the body deal with stress.

Testis The testes produce testosterone, which is responsible for sperm production and the development of male secondary sex characteristics

Aim: How do hormones promote communication between cells?

Ovary (gland) produces estrogen (hormone) Estrogens are a family of related molecules that stimulate the development and maintenance of female characteristics and sexual reproduction

Steroids vs non-steroid
Text pg 999

How are they different?

Section 39-1

Hormone Action
Steroid Hormone Target cell membrane Receptor Hormonereceptor complex Nucleus DNA cAMP (second messenger) Enzyme activities Nonsteroid hormone (first messenger)

Receptor
Target cell membrane

Altered cellular function

Protein synthesis

Altered cellular function

Nucleus

Cytoplasm Cytoplasm mRNA

Examples of Feedback Inhibition

Section 35-1 A home heating system uses feedback inhibition to maintain a stable, comfortable environment within a house

Thermostat senses temperature change and switches off heating system

Heating system turns on

Room temperature decreases

Thermostat senses temperature change and switches on heating system

Figure 3910 (Text) Actions of Insulin and Section 39-2 Glucagon Feedback
Beta cells release insulin into the blood Body cells absorb glucose

Blood glucose level increases

Liver converts glucose to glycogen

Blood glucose level decreases

Homeostasis: Normal blood glucose level

Blood glucose level increases

Blood glucose level decreases

Liver converts glycogen to glucose

Alpha cells release glucagon into blood

How does a Feedback Mechanism work to control Blood Pressure ?

Neurons also communicate by producing chemicals

Nerves are made up of Neurons

For communication between neurons to occur, an electrical impulse must travel along the nerve.

Nervous System

Information from one neuron flows to another neuron across a synapse All messages are passed between connected neurons in the form of chemicals called

neurotransmitters
(acetylcholine)

Neurons in the brain also communicate with chemicals

Serotonin, Histamine, Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine

Homeostasis is disrupted by paralysis

Discuss with your partner what happens to cell communication when paralysis occurs Give an example of what can cause paralysis.