OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which term describes an organ that contains target cells?

1. Functioning organ

2. Accessory organ

3. Target organ

4. Effector organ

The correct answer is: Target organ

The term that describes an organ containing target cells is "target organ." Target organs are specific tissues or organs that respond to particular hormones or signals produced by glands or other organs. The presence of target cells within these organs means they have receptors that match the signaling molecules, allowing for specific responses and functions. This relationship is crucial in various physiological processes, such as the hormone signaling pathways where hormones released into the bloodstream travel to target organs to elicit a specific action, such as growth, metabolism, or regulation of bodily functions. For example, the liver acts as a target organ for insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, demonstrating how target organs are essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.