Describe the properties of hormones.

Hormones are produced by specialized glands and secreted directly into the bloodstream.

Hormones are transported by the blood stream from endocrine cells to serve as a “chemical messenger” that acts on target cells or organs to regulate the rates of specific metabolic reactions.

Hormones do not affect local production but other tissues in the body.

Hormones are required in very small quantities, and their action can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on their concentration and the physiological state of the responder tissue.

Hormones belong to different types of chemical structure. They can be steroids, proteins, peptides or amino acid derivatives.