PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What are secretions that stimulate functional activity or other secretions in the body called?

1. Enzymes

2. Chemicals

3. Hormones

4. Neurotransmitters

The correct answer is: Hormones

The correct answer is hormones, which are specialized chemical messengers produced by various glands in the endocrine system. Hormones are secreted directly into the bloodstream and play a vital role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood. These secretions have the ability to stimulate functional activity in target organs or tissues that have receptors specific to each hormone, thereby influencing various bodily functions and homeostasis. For instance, insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells. While enzymes are essential for facilitating biochemical reactions, they do not function as secretions that stimulate other secretions. Chemicals, though a broad category, do not specifically point to the regulatory role that hormones play. Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers in the nervous system, transmitting signals between nerve cells but are not classified as hormones since they primarily function within the nervous system rather than throughout the entire body.