Which of the following hormones are known to utilize second messengers in their signaling pathways?

The correct understanding revolves around the role of hormones in signaling pathways, especially the use of second messengers. Hydrophilic hormones, such as peptides and catecholamines, typically cannot readily cross the cell membrane due to their polar nature. Instead, they bind to receptors on the cell surface. This binding activates a series of intracellular signaling cascades involving second messengers like cyclic AMP (cAMP), inositol triphosphate (IP3), or calcium ions. These second messengers amplify the signal within the cell, leading to various physiological responses.

In contrast, steroid hormones and thyroid hormones, which are lipophilic, can easily pass through the cell membrane and bind to intracellular receptors. Their action usually involves direct regulation of gene expression rather than engaging second messenger systems. As a result, the pathway for these hormones primarily involves genomic actions instead of the relatively faster second messenger pathways typically seen with hydrophilic hormones.

Thus, hydrophilic hormones are indeed the hormones known for utilizing second messengers in their signaling pathways, confirming that option B is accurate.