Quellenorganen
Quellenorgane, also known as source organs, are biological structures or entities that produce or release specific substances, signals, or information within a multicellular organism or an ecosystem. These organs are fundamental to the functioning of complex systems as they initiate processes or provide essential components. In the context of an organism, they can range from glands that secrete hormones to cells that release neurotransmitters. For instance, endocrine glands like the pituitary or thyroid are considered Quellenorgane because they produce and release hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Similarly, neurons act as Quellenorgane by synthesizing and releasing neurotransmitters at synapses to facilitate communication between cells.
Beyond individual organisms, the concept of Quellenorgane can extend to ecological systems. In this broader sense,