Hormones are essential in regulating many different bodily functions, including growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. These molecules are produced by specialized glands, and travel throughout the body to communicate with cells and tissues. Synonyms for hormones include chemical messengers, signaling molecules, endocrine hormones, and bioregulators. These terms all describe the same type of molecule, but highlight different aspects of their function or production. For example, "chemical messengers" emphasizes how they travel throughout the body to deliver information, while "endocrine hormones" specifies that they are produced by endocrine glands. Regardless of the term used, hormones play a crucial role in maintaining balance and homeostasis in the body.