Hormone
A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by an endocrine gland and carried by blood to target organs.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
Hormones help control growth, metabolism, development, and many body functions. They are released in small amounts, travel through blood, and act only on specific target organs that can respond to them. Unlike nerve impulses, hormones work more slowly but their effect may last longer. This makes hormonal control useful for long-term regulation in the body.
Example
Insulin helps control blood sugar level, and thyroxine helps regulate body metabolism.
Simple analogy
Hormone means blood-borne chemical message.
Common confusion
Students often think hormones travel through nerves like electrical signals. They do not. Hormones travel through blood.
Exam tip
If a question says chemical messenger, blood transport, target organ, or slow action, it is usually asking about hormones.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of hormone in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define hormone and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain hormone, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
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