neurohormone
Neural signaling molecule
A neurohormone is a chemical messenger produced by nerve cells and released into the bloodstream, where it acts on distant tissues.
Unlike neurotransmitters, which signal across synapses to adjacent cells, neurohormones travel through circulation to reach their targets.
Oxytocin and vasopressin are classic examples—made in the brain but affecting organs throughout the body.
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
epinephrine · melatonin · endorphin · substance P · gonadotropin · prolactin
Subthalamic regulatory brain region
- pituitaryBrain-base hormone gland
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
dendrite · receptor · blood-brain barrier · cerebrospinal · brainstem · amygdala · hippocampus · glial
Signal-receiving molecule
- pathwayDesignated route for travel
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
- feedbackReturned response data
synthesis · secretion · release · inhibition · stimulation · uptake · binding · transduction
Biological internal stability maintenance
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- stress responseBody's reaction to threat
- moodPrevailing emotional condition
- sleepRecurring unconscious repose
appetite · reproduction · growth · thermoregulation · circadian rhythm · fight-or-flight · lactation · bonding
oxytocin
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
norepinephrine · epinephrine · melatonin · endorphin · substance P · gonadotropin · prolactin
hypothalamus
Subthalamic regulatory brain region
- pituitaryBrain-base hormone gland
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
axon · dendrite · receptor · blood-brain barrier · cerebrospinal · brainstem · amygdala · hippocampus · glial · cortex
receptor
Signal-receiving molecule
- pathwayDesignated route for travel
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
feedback · synthesis · secretion · release · inhibition · stimulation · uptake · binding · transduction · messenger
homeostasis
Biological internal stability maintenance
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- stress responseBody's reaction to threat
- moodPrevailing emotional condition
sleep · appetite · reproduction · growth · thermoregulation · circadian rhythm · fight-or-flight · lactation · bonding · arousal