Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What do ductless hormones release directly into?

1. Bloodstream

2. Saliva

3. Interstitial fluid

4. Lymphatic system

The correct answer is: Bloodstream

Ductless hormones, also known as endocrine hormones, are secreted directly into the bloodstream. This mode of release allows hormones to travel throughout the body and reach target organs or tissues, where they exert their effects. By entering the bloodstream, these hormones can have widespread and systemic effects, influencing various physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood regulation. The other options describe different mechanisms of secretion or transport that do not apply to ductless hormones. For instance, while interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds cells and plays a role in nutrient and waste exchange at the cellular level, it is not the primary medium through which ductless hormones operate. Saliva is a secretion produced by salivary glands primarily for digestive purposes, and the lymphatic system is involved in immune responses and maintaining fluid balance rather than direct hormone secretion. Therefore, the accurate description of ductless hormones is that they release their products directly into the bloodstream for systemic distribution.