Final answer:
Endocrine glands are responsible for producing hormones that regulate a range of bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development. They secrete these hormones directly into the bloodstream to be delivered to target cells with specific receptors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Endocrine glands (solid viscera) primarily produce hormones that regulate various bodily functions. These glands are a major part of the endocrine system, which includes important organs such as the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pineal glands. Unlike exocrine glands, endocrine glands do not use ducts; instead, they secrete hormones directly into the surrounding interstitial fluid. The hormones then diffuse into the bloodstream and are delivered to target cells throughout the body that have the necessary receptors to bind with them. Some organs have both endocrine and non-endocrine functions, such as the pancreas, which contains cells that function in digestion and cells that secrete insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.
The endocrine system is crucial for the coordination of various bodily processes, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development. Hormones produced by endocrine glands regulate diverse processes not only limited to metabolism, but also aspects of digestion, such as when and what digestive secretions are released. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is that endocrine glands produce hormones that regulate various bodily functions.