What is the primary function of neurohormones in the endocrine system?

Neurohormones serve as important chemical messengers in the endocrine system. Their primary function is to travel through the bloodstream to reach distant target organs or tissues. This long-distance signaling enables neurohormones to influence a variety of physiological processes, including stress response, metabolism, and homeostasis.

Neurohormones are typically produced in the brain, particularly in regions such as the hypothalamus, and are released into circulation, allowing them to exert effects on various body systems. This function is crucial for the coordination of responses to stimuli that require more widespread and systemic regulation, rather than localized actions.

Other options focus on specific physiological processes rather than the fundamental role of neurohormones in systemic signaling. Regulation of metabolic rate, influence on gut motility, and facilitation of muscle contraction are functions of other hormones or signaling molecules, rather than the primary action of neurohormones themselves.