Chemical substances secreted by cells that regulate the metabolic function of other cells are called what?

Chemical substances secreted by cells that regulate the metabolic function of other cells are known as hormones. Hormones act as long-distance signaling molecules in the body, primarily released by endocrine glands. Once released into the bloodstream, they travel to target cells and organs where they bind to specific receptors, triggering a variety of physiological responses. This regulatory mechanism is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and coordinating complex processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

In contrast, enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, facilitating processes but not primarily being involved in regulation across different cells. Antibodies are a type of protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens, and they do not function in the same regulatory capacity as hormones. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals in the nervous system, primarily functioning in synaptic communication rather than widespread metabolic regulation. Therefore, hormones are distinct in their broader regulatory roles across different systems in the body.