Which of the following statements about hormones is incorrect ?

Options

A. They are secreted into the extracellular find
B. They circulate in blood or hemolymph
C. They communicate messages throughout the body
D. They travel through a dedicated pathway

Answer

To determine which statement about hormones is incorrect, we can analyze each option provided:

1. **Hormones are secreted in the extracellular fluid.**
- Hormones are indeed released from endocrine glands into the extracellular fluid, from where they can enter the bloodstream. This statement is correct.

2. **Hormones circulate in blood and hemolymph.**
- Hormones are transported through the bloodstream to reach various parts of the body. While hemolymph is a term used for the fluid in open circulatory systems (like in some invertebrates), the statement is generally correct for hormones circulating in blood.

3. **Hormones are communication messengers throughout the body.**
- Hormones act as chemical messengers that facilitate communication between different parts of the body. This statement is also correct.

4. **Hormones travel through a dedicated pathway.**
- Hormones do not travel through a dedicated pathway; instead, they diffuse into the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body via the circulatory system. This statement is incorrect.

Based on the analysis, the incorrect statement about hormones is option 4.

### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Identify the nature of hormones.**
- Hormones are chemical messengers released by endocrine glands.

2. **Evaluate each statement.**
- Check if hormones are secreted into the extracellular fluid. (Correct)
- Check if hormones circulate in blood and hemolymph. (Generally correct)
- Check if hormones serve as communication messengers. (Correct)
- Check if hormones travel through a dedicated pathway. (Incorrect)

3. **Conclude which statement is incorrect.**
- The statement that hormones travel through a dedicated pathway is incorrect.

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement about hormones is option 4: "They travel through a dedicated pathway."