Final answer:
The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate body functions and maintain homeostasis. These hormones act on target cells throughout the body, and the correct answer to the question is A) Hormones; Regulating body functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Endocrine System
The endocrine system consists of a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones. These hormones are essential for regulating a wide range of bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development. The primary purpose of these substances is to maintain homeostasis within the body, coordinating the functions of different organ systems through chemical communication.
Cells in the endocrine system release hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then transports these messengers to target cells that have specific receptors for them. Examples of endocrine glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and the pancreas. The hormones produced by these glands influence various physiological processes such as stress responses, metabolic rates, and blood glucose regulation.
The correct answer to the student's question about the endocrine system is A) Hormones; Regulating body functions. Hormones are the substances secreted by the endocrine system, and their purpose is to regulate body functions by acting on specific target cells throughout the body to maintain homeostasis.