Endocrine Communication
Most common form of intercellular communication
Exchange of ions and molecules between adjacent cells across gap junctions
Highly specialized and relatively rare
Limited to a very specific area
Paracrine Communication
Chemical message is “neurotransmitter”
Direct Communication
Ideal for crisis management
Alters metabolic activities of many tissues and organs simultaneously
Occurs between two cells of same type
Occurs across synaptic clefts
Endocrine cells release chemicals (hormones) into bloodstream
Uses chemical signals to transfer information from cell to cell within single tissue
