Final answer:
Endocrine glands secrete hormones that travel through the bloodstream and regulate body processes, contributing to the maintenance of homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glands secrete hormones to regulate body functioning and promote homeostasis within the endocrine system.
The endocrine system is vital for maintaining homeostasis within the body, working in tandem with the nervous system to regulate various body processes. Hormones are biochemical messengers secreted by the endocrine glands into the bloodstream. They travel throughout the body and have effects on specific target cells which contain the necessary receptors to bind and respond to the hormonal signals. This action results in the regulation of a wide array of physiological processes. For instance, the adrenal glands produce stress-regulating hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, while the thyroid gland produces hormones that control our metabolic rate. These endocrine activities showcase the system's widespread implications on overall health and functionality.