What is the Difference Between Neurotransmitters and Hormones?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Neurotransmitters and hormones are two different types of chemicals that carry signals from one part of the body to another, but they have distinct differences in their functions and modes of action. Here are the main differences between neurotransmitters and hormones:
- Function: Neurotransmitters are involved in the transmission of nerve signals, while hormones are capable of regulating target organs or tissues.
- Mode of Action: Neurotransmitters act over distances of tens to hundreds of micrometers, usually only near the presynaptic site of release. Hormones, on the other hand, typically influence target cells far removed from the hormone-secreting cell, often through the bloodstream.
- Location: Neurotransmitters are proteins, amino acids, or gases. Hormones are produced in endocrine glands and are secreted into the bloodstream.
- Examples: Some substances can act as both neurotransmitters and hormones. For example, vasopressin and oxytocin are made clearer by comparison with the actions of hormones secreted by the endocrine system.
In summary, neurotransmitters and hormones are both chemical messengers in the body, but they differ in their functions, modes of action, locations, and some substances that can act as both types of messengers.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Neurotransmitters and Hormones? Comparative Table: Neurotransmitters vs Hormones
Comparative Table: Neurotransmitters vs Hormones
Here is a table comparing the differences between neurotransmitters and hormones:
| Feature | Neurotransmitters | Hormones |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that enable neurotransmission, or the transmission of signals between neurons in the nervous system. | Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands in multicellular organisms, that act as chemical messengers. |
| Produced by | Neurotransmitters are produced by neurons. | Hormones are produced by endocrine glands. |
| Mode of action | Neurotransmitters are sent over synapses, between neurons. | Hormones are sent through the circulatory system. |
| Structure | Neurotransmitters may be small molecules (e.g., dopamine) or larger molecules such as proteins (e.g., substance P). | Hormones can be small molecules (e.g., adrenaline) or large molecules (e.g., growth hormone). |
| Function | Neurotransmitters enable cognition, memory, and behavior, regulating appetite, emotion, muscle action, and movement. | Hormones also regulate various aspects of bodily functions and can perform functions over a larger spatial and temporal scale than neurotransmitters. |
Please note that there may be overlap between the roles of chemicals as neurotransmitters or hormones, and some chemicals can act as both.
Read more:
- Neurons vs Neurotransmitters
- Neuropeptides vs Neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitter vs Neuromodulator
- Nerves vs Hormones
- Excitatory vs Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
- Hormones vs Pheromones
- Cytokines vs Hormones
- Hormonal vs Neural Control
- Enzyme vs Hormone
- Catecholamines vs Acetylcholine
- Nervous System vs Endocrine System
- Neuroscience vs Neurology
- Plant vs Animal Hormones
- Presynaptic Neuron vs Postsynaptic Neuron
- Dopamine vs Serotonin
- Catecholamines vs Noncatecholamines
- Dopamine vs Endorphins
- Neurons vs Neuroglia
- Epinephrine vs Norepinephrine