Which statement describes the roles of the endocrine system?

Which statement describes the roles of the endocrine system?

• A. Transportation of oxygen and nutrients
• B. Structural support and movement
• C. Hormones, growth/development, metabolism, reproduction
• D. Protection against pathogens

Answer: (C)

The endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones released by glands into the bloodstream to regulate many body processes. It controls growth and development, sets the pace of metabolism, and governs reproductive functions, among other roles. That makes the statement describing hormones and those processes the best description of the endocrine system. By contrast, transporting oxygen and nutrients is the job of the circulatory and respiratory systems; structural support and movement come from the skeletal and muscular systems; protection against pathogens comes from the immune system. Hormones like insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones illustrate how the endocrine system modulates energy use, growth, and reproduction.

The endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones released by glands into the bloodstream to regulate many body processes. It controls growth and development, sets the pace of metabolism, and governs reproductive functions, among other roles. That makes the statement describing hormones and those processes the best description of the endocrine system. By contrast, transporting oxygen and nutrients is the job of the circulatory and respiratory systems; structural support and movement come from the skeletal and muscular systems; protection against pathogens comes from the immune system. Hormones like insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones illustrate how the endocrine system modulates energy use, growth, and reproduction.