Hormones and Neurotransmitters: The Differences and Curious Similarities

Hormones and neurotransmitters are different chemical messengers, the former produced by the endocrine glands and the latter by the nervous system. Hormones are usually secreted from the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream, but they act on distant target cells. Some hormones, like melatonin and cortisol, are actually produced in the brain, released in the blood, and affect other parts of the body. On the other hand, neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic nerve terminal in the brain. They move across the synaptic cleft, a small space between two adjacent neurons, and move to the next neuron (known as a postsynaptic neuron). There they bind to specific receptors, causing changes in the electrical properties of target cells, which can cause various postsynaptic effects. Neurotransmitters work locally and their actions are very fast. <a href="https://medium.com/the-biochemists/hormones-and-neurotransmitters-the-differences-and-curious-similarities-46c6095b825">Read More</a>