Ace the BMAT 2026 – Unleash Your Biomedical Superpowers!

Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted into the bloodstream by glands and have the ability to affect various target cells throughout the body. This widespread influence is a hallmark of hormonal action, allowing hormones to regulate numerous physiological processes over a range of tissues and organs.

In contrast, the characteristic of affecting only adjacent cells is more typical of local signaling molecules such as neurotransmitters. The elimination of waste from the blood is primarily a function of the excretory system, particularly the kidneys, rather than a role of hormones. Additionally, while some hormones can have short-term effects, many are involved in longer-term regulatory functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction, rather than only producing frequent short-term effects. Thus, the ability of hormones to affect various target cells is a defining characteristic that underscores their role in maintaining homeostasis and coordinating the body's responses to changes in the environment.