Neuroendocrine neoplasms and their cells of origin.

Abstract

The body's homeostasis depends on the co-ordinated activity of the nervous system and the endocrine system. Although the physiologic co-operation of these two systems has long been recognized, neurons and endocrine cells are generally regarded as developmentally and functionally distinct. Neurons are thought to be of ectodermal origin and to function mostly as elongated conducting structures that directly control the behavior of other cells by transmission of electrical impulses and localized release of transmitter substances. Endocrine cells are thought to be mostly of nonectodermal origin and to control the behavior of other cells indirectly, by releasing hormones into the blood. . . .