Comparing the nervous system with the endocrine system
Laura Armstrong & Joe Wolfensohn
Teachers
Recall Questions
This topic requires prior knowledge of the endocrine system.
What is the endocrine system made of?
Glands that secrete hormones into the blood.
What is the role of the pituitary gland?
It is the ‘master gland’ that controls other glands and regulates body functions by releasing hormones.
What is a target organ in the endocrine system?
An organ that responds to a specific hormone.
Topic Explainer Video
Check out this @lauradoesbiology video that explains the difference between the nervous system with the endocrine system, then read the study notes. Once you’ve gone through them, don’t forget to try the practice questions!
What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system is a system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones travel to target organs, where they produce a specific effect. The system works to regulate important processes such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and internal balance (homeostasis).
Comparison: Endocrine System vs Nervous System
|
Feature |
Endocrine System |
Nervous System |
|
Type of signal |
Chemical (hormones) |
Electrical impulses |
|
Method of transmission |
Bloodstream |
Nerve cells (neurones) |
|
Speed of response |
Slower |
Very fast |
|
Duration of response |
Longer-lasting |
Short-lived |
|
Target |
Specific organs (target organs) |
Specific muscles or glands (called effectors) |
|
Example response |
Growth, metabolism, blood sugar control |
Reflex actions, muscle movement |
|
Effect |
More general |
Very localised |
|
Involved structures |
Glands (e.g. pancreas, pituitary) |
Brain, spinal cord, nerves |
Key Terms
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Hormone: A chemical messenger that travels in the blood to a target organ.
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Gland: An organ that produces and secretes hormones.
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Impulse: An electrical signal transmitted along a nerve.
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Target organ: An organ that responds to a specific hormone.
No answer provided.
Exam Tip
When comparing systems, use structured, paired comparisons (e.g. speed: slower vs faster; duration: long-lasting vs short-lived) for top marks.
No answer provided.
Practice Question
Compare the endocrine system with the nervous system. Give at least two similarities and two differences. (4 marks)
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Both systems are used for coordination and maintaining homeostasis in the body.
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Both bring about responses.
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The endocrine system uses hormones travelling in the blood; the nervous system uses electrical impulses travelling along neurones.
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Hormonal responses are slower but last longer; nervous responses are quicker but short-lived.
More Practice
Try to answer the practice question from the TikTok video on your own, then watch the video to see how well you did!