Which of the following functions is NOT performed by the endocrine system?

The function of transmitting nerve impulses is primarily performed by the nervous system, not the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for producing hormones, which are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions, such as metabolism, growth, and mood.

The endocrine system plays a crucial role in the regulation of metabolic activity by releasing hormones like insulin and glucagon, which manage blood sugar levels. It also coordinates bodily responses by altering functions in different systems over varying time frames, such as stress responses or reproductive processes. However, the actual transmission of nerve impulses involves the rapid signaling that occurs between neurons in the nervous system, utilizing electrical signals and neurotransmitters, rather than hormonal communication. Thus, the correct answer highlights a key distinction between these two critical systems in human physiology.