Cells need to communicate with each other in order for organs and organ systems to develop and function. There are multiple mechanisms by which cells...

Cells need to communicate with each other in order for organs and organ systems to develop and function. There are multiple mechanisms by which cells communicate with each other. Circulating hormones (endocrine system) allows communication over long distances between multiple cell types. Paracrine signaling offers local communication between cells. Finally, gap junctions allow communication between adjacent cells.