Final answer:
A hormone stimulated by another hormone travels through the bloodstream, reaching target cells and binding to their receptors, which may be on the cell surface or intracellular. This binding triggers signaling pathways, leading to physiological responses and regulated hormone levels through negative feedback mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a hormone is released by a hormonal stimulus, this usually refers to a chain reaction where one hormone prompts the release of another hormone within the body. For instance, the hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland, and in turn, the pituitary gland secretes hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that stimulate other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. Once the hormones T3 and T4 reach a certain level in the bloodstream, they create negative feedback that inhibits further release of TSH from the pituitary and the hypothalamus, thereby maintaining a regulated system of hormone levels.
Upon release, the hormone travels through the bloodstream to reach its target cells. It then binds to specific receptors, either on the surface or inside the target cells, and incites a response that leads to a necessary change or regulation in the body. Binding to these receptors may initiate a signaling pathway that affects various cellular processes. The precise mechanism of action depends on the nature of the hormone and the type of receptor it engages with.