Hormones secreted by the endocrine glands influence which of the following?

Hormones secreted by the endocrine glands play a crucial role in regulating a wide range of metabolic and physiological processes throughout the body. These hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues, influencing various bodily functions such as growth and development, metabolism, immune response, mood and behavior, and even reproductive processes.

The reason that multiple metabolic and physiological processes are impacted is that hormones can affect how the body utilizes energy, regulates temperature, manages stress, and balances fluids and electrolytes, among other functions. For example, insulin from the pancreas is crucial for glucose metabolism, while thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, and sex hormones influence reproductive functions.

In contrast, the other options are too restrictive. While hormones do influence physical growth, mood and behavior, as well as digestion and absorption, limiting their effects to just one of these areas fails to capture the broad range of functions they perform in maintaining homeostasis and overall health. Thus, the comprehensive nature of option C correctly reflects the multifaceted impact of hormones in the human body.