ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -For one, the endocrine system uses chemical signaling (hormones, produced by glands) while the nervous system uses electrical signaling (neural impulses). The signal transmission of the nervous system is fast because neurons are interconnected, but the functions are more short-lived.

Detailed explanation-2: -Hormones can control the body, and the effects are much slower than the nervous system, but they last for longer.

Detailed explanation-3: -The endocrine and nervous systems communicate with each other through the hypothalamus, which controls basic drives such as hunger and thirst. The hypothalamus also regulates the pituitary gland, which governs the release of hormones by the body’s other glands.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nervous system control is extremely rapid (millisecondsto seconds), whereas endocrine control takes minutes to days to bring about its effects. Nervous system communication is via electro-chemical impulses, whereas the endocrine system uses blood-borne chemical “messengers” called hormones.

Detailed explanation-5: -In general, the nervous system involves quick responses to rapid changes in the external environment, and the endocrine system is usually slower acting-taking care of the internal environment of the body, maintaining homeostasis, and controlling reproduction (Table 14.1. 1).