What is a target tissue?

A target tissue is a tissue or organ that is affected by a hormone. Another name for a target tissue is a target organ.

Target tissue is the recipient of a hormone's effects. The target tissue receives its hormones because of the circulatory system. The endocrine system, for example, would not work properly without the aid of circulation. Target tissue can include bones, cartilage, muscles, glands and other things.

Each tissue is affected by a specific hormone. A good example of this is oxytocin. Oxytocin only gets sent to the mammary glands and uterus.

The nutrients a person takes in helps the body produce the hormones necessary for proper body function.