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Bloodstream Signaling

Meaning

Bloodstream signaling, or endocrine signaling, describes the physiological process where chemical messengers, predominantly hormones, are secreted directly into the circulatory system by specialized endocrine glands. These messengers travel via the bloodstream to reach distant target cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body. This systemic mode of communication ensures coordinated regulation of complex physiological functions, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and stress response. The concentration of hormones in the blood provides a critical measure of endocrine status in clinical assessment.