The Neuroendocrine System
Our bodies are made up of billions of cells including neuroendocrine cells. In health, neuroendocrine cells, help regulate our bodily functions by releasing small molecules that circulate throughout the body, such as neuropeptides, hormones, cytokines and chemokines (see bullet points below). They are present in endocrine glands but can also be found, more diffusely, throughout the body, including just below the surface layer of the skin. The neuroendocrine system (NES) has been described as the interface between the body’s nervous and endocrine systems. Because of this, it has a role to play across an entire spectrum of bodily functions – from digestion and breathing to how we think, feel, and behave. • Neuropeptide – acts as neurotransmitter, allowing messages to be passed throughout the body • Hormone - a regulatory substance that can stimulate specific cells or tissues into action to maintain normal body function • Cytokine - crucial to the growth and activity of immune system cells and blood cells • Chemokine – central to the development and balance of the immune system
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