Question detail
Explain why a hormone affects only its target organ, even though it travels in the blood.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Hormonal coordination in humans
Question
Explain why a hormone affects only its target organ, even though it travels in the blood.
Answer
A hormone affects only its target organ because cells in that organ have specific receptors that are complementary to the hormone. Cells without the correct receptor do not bind the hormone and do not produce the response.
Explanation
This answer supports the Human endocrine system subtopic by linking blood transport to receptor specificity. The hormone may reach many tissues, but only target-organ cells have the matching receptor needed to detect it. That is why the same hormone can circulate widely while triggering a response only in specific tissues.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Target Organs
Students often think that hormones affect all tissues in the body equally, rather than specific target organs.
Emphasize that hormones are like keys that only fit specific locks (target organs), and review examples of hormones and their corresponding target organs to reinforce this concept.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.