FOUNDATIONAL TERM
Receptor
受体
A molecular structure recognising a signal and initiating a response.
Study this concept in context
18 · Hormones, endocrine systems and feedback
Hormones carry information through body fluids, but responses require suitable receptors and cellular conditions. Endocrine reasoning connects signal sources, receptors, feedback and timing.
03 · How Cells Use Energy, Move Substances, and Communicate
Cells exchange substances, use energy, and respond to their surroundings. These activities are linked: energy maintains ion differences across membranes, and those differences can help transport nutrients and support electrical signaling. Understanding the connection prepares us to study nerves, muscles, digestion, and metabolism.
Sources
- OpenStax: an overview of the endocrine system
- OpenStax: hormones
- OpenStax: the pituitary gland and hypothalamus
- OpenStax: the endocrine pancreas
- OpenStax: the thyroid gland
- NIDDK: Thyroid tests
Definitions come from the published lessons. Read the linked lesson for mechanisms, conditions and examples.