How do hormones affect body system interactions?

• A. They only influence the nervous system
• B. They regulate and coordinate physiological functions
• C. They only affect digestive functions
• D. They have no significant impact on body systems

Answer: (B)

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating and coordinating various physiological functions throughout the body. They are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream, where they travel to target organs and tissues. This allows hormones to communicate between different body systems, ensuring that multiple processes are synchronized and function effectively.

For instance, hormones like insulin regulate glucose metabolism, while adrenaline prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses by influencing heart rate, breathing, and energy use. By affecting processes such as growth, mood regulation, metabolism, and immune responses, hormones demonstrate their involvement in maintaining homeostasis and facilitating interactions between different body systems, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems.

The other options incorrectly limit the scope of hormonal influence. Hormones do much more than just influence the nervous system or digestive functions; they integrate various body systems and responses to external stimuli or internal changes. The idea that hormones have no significant impact on body systems overlooks their fundamental role in coordination and regulation throughout the entire organism.