[Campbell Biology P.1054] Which of the following is characteristic of the simple neuroendocri... | Practice Question

Which of the following is characteristic of the simple neuroendocrine pathway as exemplified by oxytocin signaling, but not the simple endocrine pathway of secretin signaling?

  • A: Involves a hormone traveling through the circulatory system to target cells.
  • B: Utilizes a neurohormone secreted by a neurosecretory cell.
  • C: Regulates a physiological process to maintain homeostasis.
  • D: Involves a feedback mechanism that links the response back to the initial stimulus.

Explanation

Figure 45.10 and its description define a simple neuroendocrine pathway as one where 'the stimulus is received by a sensory neuron rather than endocrine tissue. The sensory neuron in turn stimulates a neurosecretory cell. In response, the neurosecretory cell secretes a neurohormone.' This specific involvement of a sensory neuron and neurosecretory cell secreting a neurohormone distinguishes it from a simple endocrine pathway, where endocrine cells directly secrete hormones.