| Unit 4. | Neurons, Hormones, and the Brain (cont'd) | ||||||||
Hormones:
Neurotransmitters are one type of chemical that can influence thought and behavior. Another type of chemical that can influence thought and behavior is hormones. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are produced by neurons and released at synapses. In contrast, hormones are chemicals that are produced by glandular cells and released into the blood stream, where they are carried all over the body. Hormones can influence cells over most of the body, in contrast to the very localized influence of neurotransmitters. Many (but not all) hormones work by fitting onto receptors on their target cells, just as neurotransmitters fit onto receptors.