Identification

• Cell signaling is the body's method of maintaining communications between its cells, tissues and organs. These communications are what regulate the body's many systems and processes. Chemical messengers and electrical signals are the signal carriers. Signals can be carried from cell to cell, from cell to organ, or from the brain to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. In effect, the role of cell signaling is vital to the body's overall health, and function.
  
  

Function

• Cell processes involving respiration, rebuilding and repairing are all coordinated by cell signaling mechanisms. Cells have to read their external environments and respond to their surround conditions. When a signal is present --be it in the form of a chemical, or an electrical impulse- this triggers a specific cell reaction in response to whatever process is in play. Typically a molecule will carry a specific signal and release it in the form of a chemical or an electrical impulse to initiate, or continue a particular cell function.
  
  

Types

• Cell signals are carried in three different ways --juxtacrine signaling, paracrine signaling and endocrine signaling. Juxtacrine signaling takes place inside cell bodies. Signals are carried by the chemical components that make up the cell, such as lipids, proteins and ions. Paracrine signaling happens when one cell signals one or more adjacent cells in its vicinity. Neurotransmitter activities in the brain are an example of paracrine signaling. Endocrine signaling is carried out by hormones manufactured in specific areas of the body. Endocrine signals can travel via the bloodstream to target cell receptors throughout the body.
  
  

Signal Pathways

• Cellular processes that rely on cell signaling to carry out vital functions follow what's called a series of signal-transduction pathways. These pathways are made up of step-by-step processes that regulate cell functions in the completion of a task. Metabolism, respiration, and waste elimination are some of the processes handled by signal-transduction pathways. Cell membranes play a vital role in conducting signal pathways in and out of a cell. Enzyme activity, and enzyme production are also regulated by these pathways.
  
  

Disease Management

• Chemical imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and excessive stress can all work to cause errors in the body's cell signaling processes. When these errors happen and continue over prolonged periods of time, diseases can develop as a result. Errors in cell signaling can also be caused by environmental factors like pollution, or by a person's genetic make-up. These processes also play a vital role in maintaining the body's immune system function. Autoimmune conditions like allergies, eczema and lupus are the result of errors that take place in signal process pathways.