Hormones are released from the endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream via which they travel to reach the target sites.

Hormones are the chemical messenger molecules that are produced in the endocrine glands of the body. The endocrine glands do not have duct, so they release these hormones directly into the blood. The hormones travel in the blood circulation to reach their target sites (cells, tissues or organs) they can also travel in the lymphatic system when they are destroyed in the liver and removed by the kidneys.

Key Points

• The endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream that transports it to reach the target cell, tissue or organ.

Key Terms

target sites: a cell that is receptive to a secreted hormone.

endocrine: glands which release secretion directly into the blood