Final answer:
The endocrine system regulates growth, development, and maturation by secreting hormones that travel through the bloodstream to target cells, with the pituitary gland being the master regulator.
Step-by-step explanation:
The endocrine system regulates growth, development, and maturation by secreting hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones function as chemical messengers that control many body functions, including metabolism, growth, and sexual development. Endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, amongst others, release hormones that travel through the blood to target cells throughout the body, which have specific receptors for these hormones. The master gland of the endocrine system, the pituitary gland, produces hormones that regulate other endocrine glands, showcasing a hierarchy within the system. Moreover, the endocrine system works closely with the nervous system, particularly through the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, to ensure precise regulation of body physiology.