18. Which of the following best describes the overall function of hormones?
A. To control physiological processes in the body
B. To provide a pathway for nerve messages
C. To stimulate the growth and maturation of body organs
D. To determine masculine or feminine reproductive traits
I feel its A.
Right!
You are correct, the overall function of hormones is to control physiological processes in the body. To arrive at this answer, let's analyze each option:
A. To control physiological processes in the body
This option accurately describes the function of hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by the endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream. They travel throughout the body and interact with specific target cells or organs, regulating various physiological processes such as metabolism, growth and development, mood, reproduction, and many others.
B. To provide a pathway for nerve messages
Hormones do not provide a pathway for nerve messages. Instead, nerve messages are transmitted through the nervous system via electrical impulses and neurotransmitters.
C. To stimulate the growth and maturation of body organs
While hormones play a role in growth and maturation, this option is not as comprehensive as option A. Hormones do influence the growth and maturation of body organs, but they also regulate a wide range of other physiological processes beyond organ development.
D. To determine masculine or feminine reproductive traits
Hormones do play a significant role in determining masculine or feminine reproductive traits, but their function is not solely limited to this aspect of the body. Hormones have various other functions as mentioned in option A.
Therefore, option A, "To control physiological processes in the body," best describes the overall function of hormones.