Paracrine signaling is a form of cell communication where cells release signaling molecules that affect nearby target cells. This process allows cells to coordinate their activities and respond to changes in their environment. The signaling molecules, often called ligands, diffuse through the extracellular space to reach adjacent cells, influencing their behavior and functions. This type of signaling is crucial in various biological processes, including immune responses, tissue repair, and development. Unlike endocrine signaling, which involves hormones traveling through the bloodstream to distant targets, paracrine signaling operates over shorter distances, ensuring rapid and localized responses to stimuli.