Final answer:
Local hormones, or paracrine signaling, are chemical messengers that act locally on nearby cells in high concentrations. They do not travel through the bloodstream like endocrine hormones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Local hormones, also known as paracrine signaling, are a type of chemical messenger that act locally on nearby cells. They do not travel through the bloodstream like endocrine hormones, but instead exert their effects on cells in close proximity to the site of their release. Local hormones are present in high concentrations in the immediate area where they are produced, allowing for precise and rapid communication between cells.