Which system uses hormones to regulate body processes?

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Hormonal regulation is carried out by the endocrine system. It uses chemical messengers called hormones released by glands into the bloodstream to travel to distant target organs and tissues, where they trigger changes in activity. This setup allows the body to regulate many processes such as metabolism, growth, development, reproduction, and responses to stress. Hormones generally produce slower, longer-lasting effects compared with nerve signals, which are fast and localized. The endocrine system operates through feedback loops, like negative feedback, to keep hormone levels balanced. For example, insulin from the pancreas lowers blood glucose, while adrenaline from the adrenal glands prepares the body for quick action by increasing heart rate and energy availability. The other systems have different primary roles—such as the nervous system providing rapid, short-term control via electrical signals, the circulatory system transporting blood, and the immune system defending against pathogens—while the endocrine system is defined by its hormonal signaling.