Final answer:
Steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex travel in the bloodstream, diffuse into target cells, bind to receptors, form complexes, and regulate gene expression to control cellular functions and metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex are delivered to target tissues through the bloodstream. These hormones, including corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids, are lipid-soluble and can diffuse across the plasma membranes of cells. In the target tissues, they bind to intracellular receptors, either in the cytoplasm or nucleus, forming a hormone-receptor complex. This complex then moves into the nucleus and acts as a transcription regulator, influencing the expression of specific genes. Ultimately, this process regulates the synthesis of mRNA and, consequently, the production of proteins that affect cellular processes and metabolism.