What is the primary function of hormones in the body?

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating a variety of functions in the body, including growth and the development of sexual characteristics. They are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system and are released into the bloodstream. Once in circulation, hormones can trigger specific responses in target cells or organs that are necessary for growth, development, metabolism, and reproductive functions. For example, during puberty, hormones such as testosterone and estrogen are responsible for developing secondary sexual characteristics, like breast development in females and muscle growth in males, alongside other growth processes.

While hormones do indeed influence other bodily functions, such as metabolism and reactions, their primary role in this context is clearly linked to growth and sexual development, making this choice the most accurate representation of their fundamental purpose in the body.