What is the primary difference in the ways the nervous and endocrine systems communicate with their target cells?

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Explain interrelationships among molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ functions in each system.

Describe the interdependency and interactions of the systems.

Explain contributions of organs and systems to the maintenance of homeostasis.

Overview

• What is the primary difference in the ways the nervous and endocrine systems communicate with their target cells?

• In what ways can hormones modify the activities of their target cells?

• What possible results occur when a cell receives instructions from two different hormones at the same time?

• Roger has been extremely thirsty. He drinks numerous glasses of water every day and urinates a great deal. Name two disorders that could produce these signs and symptoms.

What test could a clinician perform to determine which disorder Roger has?

• Julie is pregnant but is not receiving prenatal care. She has a poor diet consisting mostly of fast food.

She drinks no milk, preferring colas instead. How will this situation affect Julie’s level of parathyroid hormone?