What is considered a primary function of hormones in the human body?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, and their primary function is to influence various body processes. These processes encompass a wide range of physiological activities, including growth and development, metabolism, mood regulation, immune response, and many others. Hormones travel through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues, where they bind to specific receptors and initiate a response.

While hormones can play roles in specific functions such as digestion, blood sugar regulation, and heart rate control, these are examples of the broader categorization of how hormones influence the body's overall functioning. Each hormone has a unique role, and collectively, they contribute to homeostasis—maintaining a stable internal environment within the body. Thus, stating that hormones influence body processes encompasses the full scope of their functions in regulating numerous physiological activities.