How do hormones influence physiological processes in the body?

Hormones serve as essential signaling molecules in the body, playing a crucial role in coordinating a wide range of physiological processes. They are produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream, where they can travel to target tissues and organs to exert their effects. This signaling mechanism allows hormones to regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune responses, mood, and reproduction.

The action of hormones is often complex and involves specific receptors located on the surface of target cells or within them. When hormones bind to these receptors, they can trigger a variety of responses depending on the type of hormone, the receptor it binds to, and the target tissue involved. This means that hormones can influence functions at multiple levels, from cellular processes to whole-organism effects.

While it is true that hormones may inhibit enzyme activity in certain contexts, this is just one aspect of their broader function as signaling molecules. They do not solely affect growth and development—many hormones play roles in various other physiological processes as well. Additionally, while some hormones can influence body temperature regulation, this is a specialized function and does not encompass the entirety of how hormones affect the body. Ultimately, the primary role of hormones as signaling molecules underpins their wide-ranging effects on physiological processes, making this understanding foundational in animal