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Wize University Physiology Textbook > Cellular and Membrane Physiology

Cell-Cell Communication

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Cellular Communication

  1. Long distance communication - use of endocrine and nervous systems
  2. Local communication
Autocrine: A cell releases molecules that act on itself.
Paracrine: A cell releases molecules that act on neighboring cells.


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Short Distance Communication (all Paracrine)


Chemical Mediated Cell-Cell Communication: When one cell needs to tell the cells around it something important, it can release a chemical that can be picked up by its neighbors by a receptor.

Contact Dependant Signals: This type of communication requires the cells to be right beside each other. We know that cell membranes have surface receptors and proteins in them. These components can be used to pass signals if the cell needs to communicate with its neighbor. The receptor of one cell binds to the surface protein of another.

Gap Junctions: This type of communication also requires the cells to be right beside each other. The protein channels in the membranes actually form bridges between the two cells. This allows direct transfer of chemical signals from one cell to the other.

Long Distance Communication

Nervous System: Signals sent through nerves from brain to other parts of the body, or vice versa. Very fast communication

Endocrine: Chemical signals (hormones) sent through the blood to act on distant organs. Slower than nervous system communication.