neurohormones
Neural signaling molecules
Neurohormones are chemical messengers produced by nerve cells and released into the bloodstream, where they act on distant target organs.
Unlike neurotransmitters, which signal across synapses to adjacent cells, neurohormones travel through circulation like traditional hormones: Oxytocin and vasopressin are neurohormones released by the hypothalamus.
The term bridges neuroscience and endocrinology.
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- melatoninCircadian rhythm regulator
- endorphinsBody's innate pain blockers
- neuropeptidesSmall neural signaling proteins
peptides · synthesis · secretion · receptors · binding · release · precursor · biosynthesis
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- epinephrineAdrenal stress hormone
- endorphinsBody's innate pain blockers
oxytocin · melatonin · stress · reward · pleasure · bonding · anxiety · depression
Subthalamic regulatory brain region
- pituitaryBrain-base hormone gland
- adrenalNear the kidneys
- thyroidHormone-producing neck gland
- feedbackReturned response data
homeostasis · axis · regulation · glandular · integration · stress response · circadian
Pancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
- glucagonPancreatic blood-sugar raiser
- leptinFat-derived hunger regulator
- ghrelinAppetite-stimulating stomach peptide
- cortisolAdrenal steroid regulating stress
adrenaline · thyroid hormones · appetite · hunger · satiety · energy balance · glucose · metabolic rate
Nerve signal crossing point
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
action potential · nerve impulse · circuitry · neuroplasticity · myelin sheath · neuromodulation · presynaptic · vesicles
oxytocin
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- melatoninCircadian rhythm regulator
- endorphinsBody's innate pain blockers
neuropeptides · peptides · synthesis · secretion · receptors · binding · release · precursor · biosynthesis · degradation
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- epinephrineAdrenal stress hormone
endorphins · oxytocin · melatonin · stress · reward · pleasure · bonding · anxiety · depression · euphoria
hypothalamus
Subthalamic regulatory brain region
feedback · homeostasis · axis · regulation · glandular · integration · stress response · circadian
insulin
Pancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
- glucagonPancreatic blood-sugar raiser
- leptinFat-derived hunger regulator
- ghrelinAppetite-stimulating stomach peptide
cortisol · adrenaline · thyroid hormones · appetite · hunger · satiety · energy balance · glucose · metabolic rate · blood sugar
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- axonNeuron's signal-sending projection
dendrite · action potential · nerve impulse · circuitry · neuroplasticity · myelin sheath · neuromodulation · presynaptic · vesicles · reuptake
neurohormonessynthetic drugs
Artificially created psychoactive compounds