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A substance, usually a small protein or a steroid, produced by one tissue or organ and carried by the bloodstream to another tissue or organ resulting in a physiological response, such as growth or metabolism.

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Final answer:

Hormones are chemical-signaling molecules like small proteins or steroids that regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism and growth, such as insulin which regulates blood glucose.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hormones are chemical-signaling molecules, typically small proteins or steroids, that are secreted by endocrine cells. These substances play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis within the body by acting to control or regulate specific physiological processes such as growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. An example of a hormone is insulin, which is a protein hormone that helps to regulate blood glucose levels. Other types of hormones include steroid hormones like adrenocortical hormones and sex hormones, which are synthesized from cholesterol.