Florida Basic Recruit Training Program High Liability (First Aid) Practice Exam

Which system secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream?

1. Digestive

2. Circulatory

3. Endocrine

4. Respiratory

The correct answer is: Endocrine

The endocrine system is responsible for the secretion of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood to various organs and tissues, where they exert their effects on different physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and mood regulation. The endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas, produce and release hormones without the use of ducts, which distinguishes them from exocrine glands that secrete substances through ducts to specific sites. By releasing hormones into the bloodstream, the endocrine system enables the body's regulatory mechanisms to maintain homeostasis and respond to changes in the internal and external environment efficiently. Understanding the role of the endocrine system is essential for recognizing how the body maintains balance and how various physiological functions are interconnected, particularly in the context of first aid and medical emergency responses.