The neurosecretory cell is neither an ordinary neuron nor an endocrine cell, but a combination of both. Its neuronal features resemble those of ordinary neurons concerning both structure and function. The production of a visible secretory material marks the neurosecretory neuron as a gland cell, and the fact that extractable cellular products act in the manner of hormones places it in the realm of endocrine elements. The modern definition of neurosecretion has evolved to include the release of any neuronal secretory product from a neuron.

The neurosecretory cell is neither an ordinary neuron nor an endocrine cell, but a combination of both. Its neuronal features resemble those of ordinary neurons concerning both structure and function. The production of a visible secretory material marks the neurosecretory neuron as a gland cell, and the fact that extractable cellular products act in the manner of hormones places it in the realm of endocrine elements. The modern definition of neurosecretion has evolved to include the release of any neuronal secretory product from a neuron.

FBbt:00005130

FMA:83810

ZFA:0009098

BTO:0002691

A neuron that is capable of some hormone secretion in response to neuronal signals.

neurosecretory neuron

neurosecretory cell

neuroendocrine cell