Which of the following best describes how a hormone released from an endocrine gland reaches its target cell?

• A. It travels through the bloodstream to reach distant target cells.
• B. It is transported via ducts to the target tissue.
• C. It is secreted into the synaptic cleft to act on adjacent neurons.
• D. It diffuses directly to neighboring cells through gap junctions.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of hormones: Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate various physiological processes in the body.
2. Recognize the transport mechanism of hormones: Hormones released by endocrine glands are typically secreted directly into the bloodstream, which allows them to travel to distant target cells throughout the body.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Hormones are not transported via ducts (this is characteristic of exocrine glands), nor are they secreted into synaptic clefts (this is specific to neurotransmitters). Hormones also do not diffuse through gap junctions, which are specialized structures for direct cell-to-cell communication.
4. Identify the correct pathway: Hormones use the circulatory system to reach their target cells, ensuring they can act on cells located far from their site of secretion.
5. Conclude the correct description: The best answer is that hormones travel through the bloodstream to reach distant target cells, as this aligns with the function and transport mechanism of endocrine hormones.