Which statement best describes how the endocrine system achieves homeostasis?

The endocrine system achieves homeostasis primarily through the release of hormones that regulate various physiological processes within the body. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands such as the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland. Once secreted into the bloodstream, these hormones travel to target organs and tissues, where they elicit specific responses that help maintain balance in the body. This can include regulating metabolism, growth, mood, and responses to stress, among other functions.

For example, when blood sugar levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps cells absorb glucose, thus lowering blood sugar levels back to a normal range. Similarly, when blood calcium levels drop, the parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone to increase calcium levels by acting on bones, kidneys, and the intestines.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the role of the endocrine system in maintaining homeostasis. Absorbing minerals from the soil pertains to plants rather than humans; enzymes are part of the digestive system and are not primarily involved in the hormone-mediated regulation seen in the endocrine system; and while digestion is vital for nutrient absorption, it does not directly relate to hormonal regulation for homeostasis. The primary mechanism for homeostasis in the