MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Hormones act on their target tissues by binding to and activating specific molecules called receptors. Receptors are found on the surface of target cells in the case of protein and peptide hormones, or they are found within the cytoplasm or nuclei of target cells in the case of steroid hormones and thyroid hormones.

Detailed explanation-2: -However, a given hormone usually affects only a limited number of cells, which are called target cells. A target cell responds to a hormone because it bears receptors for the hormone.

Detailed explanation-3: -All classes of hormones elicit the majority of their physiological effects via specific receptors which are located in three separate compartments of target cells: cell membranes (peptide and glycopeptide hormones), cytoplasm (steroid hormones) and nucleus (thyroid and steroid hormones).

Detailed explanation-4: -Hormones play a critical role in the regulation of physiological processes because of the target cell responses they regulate. These responses contribute to human reproduction, growth and development of body tissues, metabolism, fluid, and electrolyte balance, sleep, and many other body functions.

Detailed explanation-5: -Answer and Explanation: Peripheral cells that respond to a particular hormone are called target cells. Target cells are the specific cells that respond to a particular hormone. There are specific receptors for specific hormones.