A direct action on contiguous cells, in which a chemical messenger diffuses from its cell of origin directly to nearby target cells without entering the circulation, is known as __ saved

This process is often associated with local signaling mechanisms, where the efficiency of communication plays a crucial role in tissue maintenance and function. For instance, during inflammation, cells can release signaling molecules that act on adjacent cells to promote healing and coordinate responses to injury. In practical applications, understanding this form of signaling is essential in areas like drug design and tissue engineering. By targeting local signaling pathways, researchers aim to create therapies that can improve cell-to-cell communication, enhance regeneration in damaged tissues, or even modulate immune responses without affecting distant cells.